A new tempo for Perth’s home of music and entertainment.
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.
Architecture credited to WITH and OMA, animation credited to Panizzon Studio.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Venue closes
Contract award and construction commences
Construction
Construction complete, testing and handover
Official opening
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:
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:
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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This major financial contribution almost triples the total value of the project to $150 million. The new funding will be added to the previous contributions of $36.4 million by the State Government, $12 million from the Australian Government and $4 million by the City of Perth.
Redevelopment of the 50-year-old heritage-listed Perth Concert Hall includes:
Perth Concert Hall hosts 160 events a year. The revamp will provide patrons — from our State, all around Australia and across the globe — with a better experience, from improved food and drink offerings to enhanced views of the Derbarl Yerrigan/Swan River. Performing artists will benefit from new rehearsal spaces and better backstage facilities.
Level 2 proposed expansion, artist's impression
"The Perth Concert Hall has been a WA icon since it opened 50 years ago," Premier Mark McGowan said.
"Our investment will see the venue deliver an even better experience for patrons and performers. Importantly, it will provide a permanent home to the WA Symphony Orchestra — our State's largest employer of performing artists.
"This significant financial contribution will go a long way towards tackling structural maintenance issues that have come to light during the design phase.
"We can now guarantee a lasting and transformational impact on our premier musical venue."
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman added:
“We recently celebrated 50 years of performances at Perth Concert Hall and it’s important to ensure the heritage-listed performing arts venue can be enjoyed by future audiences for generations to come.
“Our government’s huge funding announcement will be music to the ears of Perth Concert Hall patrons, WASO who have called the venue home since 1973, and all of us who treasure this culturally significant community asset.
“Importantly, this refurbishment will increase our state’s arts and culture offerings and contribute to recovery of Perth’s culture, arts, and tourism sectors beyond the pandemic.”
Southern façade artist's impression — landscape design will involve stakeholder consultation.
WITH Architecture Studio and OMA were appointed lead architects in 2022. For this important redevelopment to take place safely, the Perth Concert Hall and its forecourts will need to be closed to the public during structural works.
Perth Concert Hall’s redevelopment is part of the WA Recovery Plan and the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal to stimulate the economy, create jobs and improve liveability outcomes for the CBD.