Thursday, 26 September 2024
The $150.3 million redevelopment of the much-loved Perth Concert Hall is set to begin in early 2025, to restore the building's architectural legacy, preserve its renowned acoustics and enhance connections to the surrounding forecourts.
The striking mid-century architecture will receive important structural upgrades along with improved accessibility within and around the concert hall, new spaces for events and improved seating and rehearsal spaces.
Funding for the refurbishment of the 51-year-old heritage-listed building includes $134.3 million from the Western Australian Government, $12 million from the Australian Government and $4 million from the City of Perth.
The concert hall, forecourts and car park will be closed to the public during construction works, with the venue anticipated to re-open in early 2028.
Design firms WITH Architecture Studio and Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) are the lead architects for the redevelopment works, which include:
- preservation of the concert hall's world-renowned acoustic features;
- essential structural maintenance of the award-winning building architecture;
- updated seating, new rehearsal spaces and improved backstage facilities;
- refurbishment of the foyer areas, including upgraded signage and lighting;
- new food and drink offerings;
- improved venue accessibility, with remodelling of the auditorium entry, lifts and stairs, as well as additional toilets and box office relocation;
- transformed outdoor spaces; and
- new spaces for small events, school educational visits and training.
The Perth Concert Hall hosts more than 160 events each year and, once redeveloped, will be reinstated as Western Australia's premium entertainment precinct and provide a long-awaited home for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO).
Originally designed by architects Jeffrey Howlett and Don Bailey, the venue was the first concert hall to be built in Australia after World War II, with its doors opening to the public on 26 January 1973.
For more information about the redevelopment, visit https://dlgsc.wa.gov.au/culture-and-the-arts/perth-concert-hall/.
For more information about the WASO program, visit www.waso.com.au. The 2025 program will be released on 28 November 2024.
As stated by Minister for Cities Jenny McAllister:
"The Perth Concert Hall is the city's premier orchestral music venue and this redevelopment project will ensure it continues to be the home of music in Western Australia.
"After 50 years of continuous operation, the heritage-listed building will undergo a full revitalisation for the benefit of artists, audiences and the community.
"These works are an important part of our $1.7 billion partnership with the Western Australian Government to help transform Perth, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy, especially in the tourism and hospitality industries."
As stated by Western Australian Minister for Culture and the Arts David Templeman:
"The Perth Concert Hall has been the home of orchestral music for 50 years, and this much needed rejuvenation will extend the life of this beloved venue allowing many more generations to enjoy its world-class acoustics.
"I'm delighted that the $150.3 million redevelopment project will provide a permanent home for the West Australia Symphony Orchestra with state-of-the-art rehearsal and working areas for musicians and performers.
"The works are vital to safeguard the future of the iconic Perth Concert Hall building for artistic groups, performers and audiences.
"For the redevelopment to take place safely, the Perth Concert Hall and its forecourts will need to be closed to the public during construction works. I encourage audiences to continue to attend relocated performances and events during this time."
As stated by Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman:
"This redevelopment is great news for art lovers and performers in Perth and Western Australia."
"For more than fifty years the Perth Concert Hall has given national and international performing artists the ability to showcase their talents."
"Our Government is proud to support investment in the arts across Perth. Including through our National Cultural Policy, Revive, and supporting the Centre for Stories, local theatre, the establishment of a Perth Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and much more."
"This investment in Perth's performing arts will pay itself back multiple times over, because investing in the arts benefits our entire community."
END
Additional WASO Background
As the resident tenant of the Perth Concert Hall, WASO has been closely involved in the redevelopment project. WASO will present an exciting 2025 Season in a range of iconic venues across Perth, and will continue its extensive community engagement activities in outer-metropolitan and regional areas. Full details announced and subscriptions released for sale on 28 November, visit www.waso.com.au
