Hassell has been appointed to develop a concept design for Western Australia’s Aboriginal Cultural Centre, located on Whadjuk Noongar Country. A communique from the WA government describes the vision for the new centre “as an immersive cultural hub that will showcase Aboriginal creativity through art, dance, language, song and storytelling.”
Plans for the project were first announced in August 2022, with the proposed site located between the Derbarl Yerrigan/Swan River and Perth Concert Hall, which is currently undergoing revitalisation by With Architecture Studio and OMA.
Premier Roger Cook said, “The appointment of Hassell is the next important milestone in delivering the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a project of profound importance to Western Australia.”
According to Cook, “Hassell brings valuable design expertise to create a world-class cultural landmark that honours Aboriginal cultures and deepens our shared understanding.” Their appointment is based upon their portfolio of award-winning infrastructure projects, such as Perth’s Optus Stadium (with Cox Architecture and HKS), and involvement in the Laak Boorndap garden (with Solid Objectives, horticulturalists Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough and plant expert Jac Semmler from Super Bloom), which is currently under construction as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation.
Hassell will collaborate with key stakeholders and Aboriginal communities to develop a design for the WA Aboriginal Cultural Centre that is informed by First Nations knowledge and connection to Country. To realise this vision, the government has also appointed Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna and former Treasurer and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt as co-chairs of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre implementation group.
To date, $104 million in funding has been committed to the project, with matched contributions from the state and federal governments.
In the eyes of the WA government, the centre “will be a key driver for cultural tourism, offering vibrant events and connecting locals, interstate and international visitors with local community, artists and creatives.”
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk noted, “Western Australia is home to some of the nation’s most talented creatives, and this project showcases that expertise on the world stage.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
