State reveals Northbridge revitalisation

Free wireless internet, better security, more cafes and new performance spaces are all part of the state government's plans to revitalise the Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge into a family friendly place.

Over the weekend, Planning and Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the exciting changes for Perth are part of the government's $11 million commitment to transform the area between William, Roe, Beaufort and Francis streets in Northbridge.

The East Perth Redevelopment Authority is also undertaking a $6 million revitalisation of William Street, with funds generated from leasing activities to be reinvested back into the area for the long-term future of the precinct.

The Northbridge plans also coincided with Premier Colin Barnett's lock down on the nightclub scene in area, with the venues to close an hour earlier at 5am and a lockout imposed at 3:30am.

The announcement is below:

The area between William, Roe, Beaufort and Francis streets in Northbridge, which includes the State Library, WA Art Gallery and WA Museum, will be transformed with new cafes, entertainment, improved security, an orchard and free wireless internet.

Planning and Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the exciting changes for the Perth Cultural Centre over the coming weeks and beyond was part of an $11million commitment to revitalising the area.

Mr Day said the transformation of the centre was a key part of the Liberal-National Government's plans to revitalise and improve safety in Northbridge.

"The Perth Cultural Centre is one of the largest and most strategically-located public landholdings and cultural assets in Australia and the State Government has a real opportunity to create an international drawcard for Perth," he said.

"By improving the area's amenity, increasing security and bringing more entertainment and recreational activities to the centre, the Government is making a significant move towards improving the vibrancy and appeal of Northbridge.

"Both the short and long-term changes we will be making to the cultural centre are designed to bring more people, including families, into Northbridge, improving its vitality and safety.

"With the cultural centre plans, combined with the redevelopment of the Perth waterfront and the sinking of the rail line between Perth and Northbridge, the Liberal-National Government is moving ahead on making Perth a more modern, liveable and vibrant city."

Short-term improvements due to be completed by the end of the year include:

- better landscaping and more seating and shade so people can spend more time in the centre as a place to relax, a meeting place and access to free wifi

- new signage, way finding and banners

- the first lighting upgrades and projection of art on the library walls

- two new cafe pods in the central space providing food and beverage

- a website for all the latest news on events and attractions

- new performance spaces and a co-ordinated events program for the central area

- security guards, who will work with WA Police and City of Perth rangers to patrol the area.

The Minister said another important part of revitalising the Cultural Centre would be continuing to attract and promote events. Some of the events being considered for next year included a major concert, photographic exhibition and art installation.

Mr Day said EPRA would formally take over day-to-day management of the centre and introduce immediate and longer term improvements to transform it into one of Western Australia's most loved places.

EPRA was also working with the centre's organisations - Western Australian Museum, Art Gallery of Western Australia and the State Library - as well as PICA and the Blue Room, to bring exhibits and activities outside of the buildings.

"A lack of co-ordinated management and maintenance has led to the Cultural Centre becoming run down and under-utilised," the Minister said.

"EPRA has led an extensive consultation with stakeholders, and nationally and internationally renowned place design experts.

"This consultation has resulted in a short term plan to introduce some exciting changes during the next 12 months."

Other improvements to be made within the next 12 months include:

- a giant LED screen where people can enjoy films or screenings from the cultural institutions

- an urban orchard at the Roe Street entrance and a native wetland in the Art Gallery ponds

- additional temporary stalls which could be used for an ice-cream bar, cafe, ticket office, florist or a similar small retailer

- additional feature lighting on buildings, trees and public art

- security upgrades, including CCTV cameras and emergency phones.

In the longer term, changes being considered include utility upgrades, recreational equipment, retail opportunities and better pedestrian access.

As part of the overall commitment, EPRA is already undertaking a $6million revitalisation of William Street. Funds generated from leasing activities on William Street and the new commercial operators in the cultural centre's central space will be reinvested back into the area for the long term future of the precinct.

Mr Day said he was confident EPRA, the Department of Culture and the Arts and the Perth Cultural Centre organisations would bring about real change.

"EPRA has a strong track record of transforming tired, run-down areas into modern, safe and popular places," he said.

"I want to invite all Western Australians, particularly families, to come down and rediscover the centre and the great learning and cultural organisations that reside here."

The new Perth Cultural Centre is one of a series of urban renewal projects the State Government is delivering to revitalise Northbridge and the Perth city centre.

For more information visit http://www.epra.wa.gov.au