Western Australia’s new state-of-the-art performing arts venue has reached a major milestone, with John Holland Pty Ltd winning the tender for the main construction contract.

Read the Minister's statement

Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said building would begin soon on the venue, with forward works being completed recently.

“This exciting venue is part of our vision to make Perth more attractive and provides essential and long-overdue creative infrastructure for Western Australians,” Ms McHale said.

“I am looking forward to seeing award-winning Kerry Hill Architects’ design turn into a wonderful reality.

“This is the first time a State Government has constructed a purpose-built theatre in Perth and it has been designed to serve our city and State for the next 100 years.”

The Minister said the scale of the project had grown since its inception, evolving from a theatre facility only, to a venue incorporating an outdoor flexible space and important preservation work to heritage buildings on William Street.

“These aspects of the design will add to the creative feel of the area,” she said.

“People will enjoy quality performances in a state-of-the-art theatre, workers will relax during lunchtime in the outdoor courtyard, friends will enjoy the venue’s bars and pedestrians will walk through the area to get to the Cultural Centre.”

Located on the corner of Roe and William Streets in Northbridge, the completed venue will feature:

• a 575 seat theatre;
• a flexible 200 seat performance studio;
• rehearsal spaces, back of house services and public amenities;
• an outdoor multi-purpose space; and
• upgrades to the William Street heritage buildings adjacent to the venue.

Ms McHale said construction was expected to take about 27 months.

“The venue will become a focal point for Northbridge and a landmark which people from WA and beyond will recognise and want to visit,” she said.

“The Carpenter Government is making decisions to enhance our State’s unique lifestyle for all Western Australians.”