Construction has begun on Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) newest campus within Perth’s CBD, the first higher education campus to be situated within the city centre.
Designed by Lyons, Silver Thomas Hanley, and Haworth Tompkins, “ECU City” will bring together creative industries, emerging technologies, and business and law faculties on campus, providing a community for more than 10,000 staff and students. The new campus will be home to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), the School of Business and Law, and the School of Arts and Humanity.
The design for the contemporary campus, first unveiled in 2021, will feature a dynamic digital facade, activated streetscapes and laneways, and an “immersive entrance”, WA premier Mark McGowan said, enveloping the Perth Bustop.
McGowan said ECU City will include next-generation learning, engagement and performance spaces, including: six WAAPA public performance venues; a public plaza, gallery and events spaces; digital smart labs radio, television and film production studios; and arts and design studios and workshops.
The $853 million ECU City campus has been jointly funded by the federal and state governments and the university as part of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal.
“ECU City will transform the face of the Perth city, drawing thousands of students and staff to the city centre every day,” the premier said. “Once open, the campus will attract the best and brightest to our state, while providing industry-ready graduates that will fuel the pipeline of a highly skilled local workforce.”
The campus is slated for completion in late 2025 to welcome students onsite in the first semester of 2026.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
