Perth Cultural Centre - the story so far...

Perth has Australia’s fastest growing population. The work to transform our city to accommodate this growth is well underway with EPRA’s coordinated program building Perth’s capacity, increasing intensity and activity in the city and redefining our city and how we use it. Revitalising the Perth Cultural Centre into a vibrant community place that people will want to visit and keep visiting is one part of this program, but it’s no small undertaking.
The area has been neglected and under utilised for many years resulting in a public space that largely became a thoroughfare from Northbridge to the centre of the city.

The PCC has the potential to be a place of discovery, a venue for activities and a dynamic, vibrant centre for Perth. The State Government, through EPRA, has committed $11million to make this vision a reality. The revitalisation includes the $6 million restoration of 16 beautiful old properties within the William Street Heritage Precinct.

The Government has also committed $10million for the Art Gallery of WA facade, $8million for the demolition of the old asbestos filled Francis Street Building, $5million for planning of a new museum for the Perth Cultural Centre and $3.5m for EPRA for continuing works in 2010/11.

This transformation is happening right now, just take a walk around and see it for yourself.

The urban orchard is being established, the wetlands are taking shape and safety measures such as lighting and additional security are in place.

Attracting exciting drawcard events is another way that EPRA is bringing people into the PCC as a destination for a variety of activities. And it is working; this year St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, FotoFreo photographic exhibition and the Appearing Rooms water installation (part of the Perth International Arts Festival) attracted thousands of people to the Perth Cultural Centre.

Creating public spaces like the PCC that are special, appealing and fondly thought of by the people of Perth will play an important role in building Perth’s capacity to support the growth it is experiencing. When these works are finished and the revitalisation is complete, the PCC will become one of Perth’s favourite places for residents and visitors alike to enjoy our city