Eagerly anticipated designs revealed for $150 million Perth Concert Hall renewal

Design renders for the revitalised $150.3 million Perth Concert Hall have been jointly unveiled by the Western Australian and federal governments more than four years after the redevelopment was first announced.

The 2020 Perth City Deal revealed plans for a $52.4 million redevelopment of the 1973 heritage-listed brutalist structure, originally designed by Howlett and Bailey Architects. The deal outlined that construction was expected to be complete in 2022. However, it was only in March 2022 that the design team was appointed - a team comprising With Architecture Studio and OMA.

Further updates regarding the project's progression were shared in March 2023, when the WA government revealed it would contribute an extra $97.6 million towards the redevelopment, nearly tripling the overall funding specified in the Perth City Deal.

Newly released plans state the building is now expected to be completed at the end of 2027, ready for opening in early 2028.

The redevelopment will involve restoring the heritage-listed concert hall's architectural integrity while simultaneously preserving its acoustics and distinctive features. Under the plans, the seating, lighting, and backstage facilities would be updated, new rehearsal and events spaces would be inserted within the building fabric, the foyer would be refurbished, and the southern and northern forecourts would be transformed. The development will also seek to improve venue accessibility through the remodelling of the auditorium entry, lifts and stairs and the relocation of the box office.

Based on the detailed design statement, the level two foyer will be extended to include new bar and social gathering spaces for use during intermissions and between performances. Upon completion, the building will serve as a permanent home for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.

The existing venue was the first concert hall to be constructed in Australia after World War II. It is internationally renowned for its acoustics. In 2016, the concert hall earned the Australian Institute of Architects National Award for Enduring Architecture.

Western Australian Minister for Culture and Arts David Templeman said the rejuvenation is much-needed to extend the life of the beloved venue. "The works are vital to safeguard the future of the iconic Perth Concert Hall building for artistic groups, performers and audiences," he said.

In January 2023, the building celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Federal Member for Perth, Patrick Gorman, stated that for more than fifty years, the Perth Concert Hall has offered both national and international artists a platform to showcase their talents. "This investment in Perth's performing arts will pay itself back multiple times over because investing in the arts benefits our entire community," he said.

All levels of government are funding the project. The state government has contributed $134.3 million, the Australian government has allocated $12 million, and the City of Perth has committed $4 million.

Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2025.