The Western Australian (WA) Government has announced plans for the redevelopment of Perth Concert Hall, a heritage-listed building.
The venue, originally designed by Jeffrey Howlett and Don Bailey, opened on 26 January 1973 and was the first concert hall built in Australia after World War II.
Expected to begin in early 2025, the project is valued at A$150.3m ($103.38m). It aims to restore the venue's architectural legacy, preserve its acoustics, and improve connections to the surrounding areas.
This 51-year-old building will receive structural upgrades, improved accessibility, new event spaces, and enhanced seating and rehearsal areas.
The WA Government is contributing A$134.3m, with the remaining funding from the Australian Government and the City of Perth amounting to A$12m and A$4m, respectively.
During the renovation, the concert hall, forecourts, and car park will be closed to the public, with a reopening scheduled for early 2028.
WITH Architecture Studio and the Office for Metropolitan Architecture have been appointed as the lead architects for the redevelopment.
Additionally, the venue's outdoor spaces will be transformed to enhance its appeal.
It will also provide a permanent residence for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO).
WA Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said: “I'm delighted that the A$150.3m redevelopment project will provide a permanent home for the West Australian 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.”
