Cox Architecture has been awarded a $2.7 million contract for the rejuvenation of the Perth Cultural Centre.
The PCC is part of a wider cultural precinct – intersecting Roe, Beauford, Francis and William streets in Northbridge – and is set to undergo a $35 million revamp, backed by $25 million in state government funding and $10 million from the federal government as part of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal.
The PCC is home to numerous major cultural institutions, as the state’s primary venue for information, arts and cultural experiences. The government has identified that the PCC is “disconnected” from the city, is lacking identity and difficult navigation, inhibiting visitors from feeling that they can linger or dwell.
A Perth Cultural Centre Taskforce was established in late 2019 to facilitate a masterplan for the redevelopment of the PCC into a vibrant and democratic civic space that celebrates local art, culture, and the “fringe”. The WA government unveiled the masterplan by TRCB and TCL in May 2022.
Masterplan of Perth Cultural Centre rejuvenation by TRCB and TCL.
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TRCB and TCL
WA culture and arts minister David Templeman said the appointment of Cox Architecture as lead consultant was a significant step for the infrastructure project.
“The PCC has the potential to be an iconic culture and arts hub,” said Templeman. “It has a prime location in the City of Perth next to a public transport interchange and is, of course, home to several major cultural institutions such as WA Museum Boola Bardip, Art Gallery of Western Australia, the State Library and the State Theatre Centre.”
The new PCC will be a connected and welcoming precinct, encompassing the Art Gallery of Western Australia; the State Library of WA; the WA Museum Boola Bardip; the State Theatre; the State Records Office; the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art; and the Blue Room Theatre.
Works will include the demolition of the existing amphitheatre and Art Gallery car park at the eastern end of the precinct, which will be used to form better connections to Beaufort Street. The project will activate underutilised spaces, creating new play spaces, improved shading, better lighting and more accessibility.
“The McGowan government has a clear vision for the PCC to attract and retain visitors and meet the aspirations and expectations of Western Australians. I, like so many of you in the community, look forward to a safer, modernised precinct in the heart of the CBD and Northbridge,” said Templeman.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
