Government of Western Australia Perth Cultural Centre
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Rejuvenation Project

 

Project background

The Perth Cultural Centre is the heart of Western Australia's arts and culture scene, featuring WA’s most beloved cultural institutions, such as the Art Gallery of WA, the WA Museum Boola Bardip, the State Library of WA, the State Theatre Centre, Blue Room and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).

As part of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal, $55 million has been allocated to the rejuvenation of the Perth Cultural Centre (PCC) with the Australian Government contributing $10 million and the State Government committing $45 million.

This investment will revitalise the Perth Cultural Centre precinct to create vibrant, safe and attractive spaces connecting Perth’s cultural institutions and the surrounds, delivering improved liveability, cultural and tourism outcomes for the city.

The rejuvenation project will include:

  • a new heart and focal point that will transform the public realm into a revitalised cultural hub connecting the major cultural institutions
  • increased accessible and inviting pathways, with extensive landscaping, enhanced shaded areas and improved lighting and safety equipment
  • spaces east of the Art Gallery along Beaufort Street will become the AGWA Backyard and will have green scaping with new sculpture  art and will be another event activation space for festivals and community events catering to all ages and demographics. 

Who is involved

Following the initial guidance of the master planning stage by the Cultural Precinct Taskforce, a steering committee has been formed to see the project through its future stages. The steering committee is chaired by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and is comprised of key representatives from:

Engagement process

Early and on-going engagement with a wide range of stakeholders and community members has been key to the project’s success. 

Stakeholder engagement has included: key government agencies, Perth Cultural Centre institutions and major surrounding attractions, a Whadjuk Elder Reference Group, the arts sector and local businesses. 

Project information 

To support the rejuvenation project, objectives were agreed to guide its development.

Objectives

  • Improve access and connectivity to, from and within the Perth Cultural Centre.
  • Enhance hospitality amenities.
  • Enhance the representation of Aboriginal culture and the arts.
  • Prepare and position for growing interest.
  • Improve the use of underutilised areas.

Detailed design

The design for the redeveloped Perth Cultural Centre includes landscaped pathways, lined with lush greenery and additional shaded areas that create inviting paths to connect the state’s major cultural institutions to form a premier art and cultural destination.  

These thoughtfully designed accessible paths will guide visitors through the area, enhancing the visitor experience. The underutilised rear of the Art Gallery will be transformed into a nature-filled escape with new sculpture art and will be a key cultural space for festivals and community events.

Improved services will provide more opportunities for additional hospitality activations and a new large screen will allow for broadcasting of events.

Improved safety has been a key consideration of the rejuvenation project, particularly for families enjoying activities at the Perth Cultural Centre in the evening – the enhancements include lighting, safety bollards and improved accessible pathways.

These overall improvements will activate the Perth Cultural Centre, creating a more welcoming precinct for families, tourists and lovers of art and culture. 

The WA Government has already made significant investments constructing WA Museum Boola Bardip  and enhancements to the Art Gallery of WA. The rejuvenation of the Perth Cultural Centre is the latest phase of creating a vibrant and captivating cultural precinct in the entertainment heart of Perth.

Next steps 

EMCO Building has been appointed to complete the construction works. Construction will commence early January 2025, with cultural institutions remaining open and accessible during the construction period.

Works are expected to be complete in 2026, and the Perth Cultural Centre will be reinstated as a valuable meeting place for Western Australians and tourists to immerse themselves in cultural events and activities.  

Find out more

As the project progresses information will be updated on this website. Anyone interested in receiving regular updates should email their details to pccredevelopment@dlgsc.wa.gov.au