Perth Concert Hall redevelopment

A new tempo for Perth’s home of music and entertainment.

artists impression of the northern forecourt of the Perth Concert Hall after it has been redeveloped
 
After half a century of unforgettable performances, the iconic heritage-listed Perth Concert Hall is undergoing a revitalisation — set to elevate the experience for artists, audiences, and the community for generations to come.  

The Perth Concert Hall redevelopment project will breathe new life into this iconic venue, celebrating its heritage status and enhancing its internal and external features. This revitalisation will preserve the Perth Concert Halls renowned acoustics and architecture, introduce redesigned and landscape forecourts, improve accessibility and refurbished facilities to create a more welcoming environment.  

The Perth Concert Hall is now a live construction site which is safely fenced off as demolition works to the southern forecourt are underway.

 

Project background

As part of the $1.7 billion Perth City Deal, $150.3 million has been allocated to the Perth Concert Hall redevelopment, comprising $134.3 million from the WA Government, $12 million from the Australian Government, and $4 million from the City of Perth. 

The investment will restore the much-loved heritage building’s architectural integrity, preserve its renowned acoustics, distinctive features and enhance the surrounding outdoor spaces. The improved facilities will allow for broader community engagement and equitable access.

Artist’s impressions and fly through

    Architecture credited to WITH and OMA, animation credited to Panizzon Studio.

    An architects impression of the interior of the redeveloped Perth Concert Hall

    Detailed design

    The redevelopment of this historic building will introduce a range of enhancements designed to elevate the venue as a premier destination for the performing arts. 

    What to expect from the redevelopment

    Improved accessibility

    Key features of the project include improved accessibility from street level as well as improved backstage facilities, which will support patrons, artists and production teams, ensuring seamless performances and a better overall experience for all. 

    Auditorium seating and production features 

    A complete replacement of seating will not only enhance comfort but also improve sightlines in the hall, making every concert an unforgettable occasion, while preserving the building’s world class acoustics. A new fully automated stage lift will streamline production logistics, making it easier to host a diverse array of performances.

    A new home for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) 

    This exciting project will realise a long-standing commitment to provide WASO with a home, co-locating the administrative and orchestral staff in the one location.

    Improved backstage facilities  

    A full revitalisation of the backstage facilities will improve performer experience, ensuring the Perth Concert Hall retains its reputation as a desired performance venue into the future.  

    Upgraded safety and compliance 

    Safety and compliance upgrades will be prioritised, with significant improvements to the building fabric and systems throughout to ensure a safe and secure environment for all attendees. 

    Revitalised social and event spaces

    Visitors will benefit from expansion of the level two foyer towards the river which will be home to new bar areas, providing convenient refreshment options and fostering a lively social atmosphere before and after performances. The addition of landscaped event spaces will create inviting outdoor areas for gatherings and festivals, enriching the cultural fabric of the precinct.

    Reinvigorating Perth's cultural landmark

    These improvements will activate the Perth Concert Hall, reinforcing its role as a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Perth. As part of a broader initiative to enhance Western Australia’s arts infrastructure, this redevelopment marks a significant investment into the future of performing arts in Perth.  

    Timeline

    Late 2024

    Venue closes

    2025

    Contract award and construction commences 

    2026

    Construction

    End 2027

    Construction complete, testing and handover

    Early 2028

    Official opening

    Who is involved

    The management order for the building was held by the City of Perth for 50 years. It has now returned to the State for ongoing care and control. 

    The Perth Concert Hall project is governed by an inter-agency Steering Committee with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) as the Chair. The Steering Committee has representation from the following WA Government agencies:  

    As well as:

    Engagement process

    To help bring the Perth Concert Hall redevelopment to life, extensive collaboration with key stakeholders and surrounding organisations was undertaken to gather feedback and shape clear, achievable project goals. 

    Throughout the delivery of the project, the stakeholders will continue to be engaged, to ensure the vision of the Perth Concert Hall is delivered. Some of the stakeholders have included: 

    • West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO)
    • WA Venues and Events (WAVE)
    • Arts and Culture Trust (ACT)
    • Government agencies
    • Perth Concert Hall neighbours
    • Aboriginal Elders
    • Perth Concert Hall users
    • City of Perth (CoP)

    Next steps

    For the redevelopment to take place safely, the Perth Concert Hall and its forecourts are closed to the public during construction works. 

    Demolition works are underway until July 2025. Main works are set to commence November 2025. 

     

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    News

    Architect named for Perth Concert Hall redevelopment

    Mar 10, 2022, 12:30 PM by Geoff White
    WITH Architecture Studio and OMA have been appointed as lead architects for the redevelopment of Western Australia's iconic Perth Concert Hall.

    The $52.4 million Perth City Deal project will preserve the heritage-listed concert hall and activate a future cultural hub connecting the city and the Swan River, increasing arts and culture offerings to the Perth arts and tourism sectors' recovery through and beyond the COVID- 19 pandemic.

    The Perth City Deal is a $1.5 billion partnership of the Australian and WA governments, together with the City of Perth, to deliver economic stimulus, jobs and liveability outcomes for Perth CBD.

    The Perth Concert Hall opened in 1973 and stands as an example of late 20th-century architecture.

    The redevelopment works will restore the building's architectural integrity and enhance its renowned acoustics, distinctive features and surrounding courtyards.

    The project will also feature new working spaces for the Western Australia Symphony Orchestra, who will make the Perth Concert Hall their new home. The redevelopment will also improve disability access, provide water and energy saving initiatives and refurbish the forecourts to enable future festivals and other mass gatherings.

    The project is jointly funded with $12 million provided by the Commonwealth, $36.4 million provided by the State and $4 million provided by the City of Perth.

    Perth Concert Hall redevelopment

    Page reviewed 19 May 2025