A new world-class museum for Western Australia will be constructed on the site of the former East Perth Power Station, Premier Alan Carpenter announced today.
Mr Carpenter said the massive, half-a-billion dollar infrastructure project would be a stunning cultural and social institution for WA, which would tell the amazing stories of the State and its people in a building that would bring new life to a major heritage site.
The Premier announced the museum at a business lunch today, in addition to committing the State Government to a $1.1billion outdoor stadium at Kitchener Park Subiaco.
He also launched the Office of Strategic Projects, which is set to oversee the delivery of the Government’s most complex and long-term projects, including the new stadium and museum.
“We have a unique opportunity to build a museum for the 21st century which showcases our rich history, indigenous heritage and unique environment,” Mr Carpenter said.
“The museum will be a window to the whole of WA and have the power to capture the imagination of us all.”
The Premier said the former East Perth Power Station was a unique building which would enable the creation of soaring exhibition spaces.
“We will be able to present the stories of our Aboriginal people alongside stories of WA’s sporting greats, inventors, rural families and leaders in the fields of medicine, teaching and mining,” he said.
“The museum will exhibit WA’s diverse natural environment - since 2006, talented museum scientists have discovered more than two dozen new species.”
Planning and design of the new museum will begin this year, with construction expected to begin in 2012. The extensive fit-out required for the museum is scheduled to start in 2013, with completion of the entire project expected in late 2015.
Culture and Arts and Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said the museum project was part of the State Government’s vision to transform Perth into a dynamic international capital city.
“As a museum for the 21st century , it will contribute significantly to the civic, cultural and scientific life of our State,” Ms McHale said.
“The location was chosen from a number of sites and gives us a fantastic opportunity to create an entirely new experience at an accessible and stunning riverside location.
“Modern museums act as major cultural tourism attractions and ours will help attract interstate and international visitors, resulting in longer stays and greater expenditure.”
The Minister said development of the East Perth Power Station building would encapsulate principles of sustainability, innovative thinking and smart design.
“The Carpenter Government is making decisions which enhance WA’s unique lifestyle,” she said.
Premier’s office - 9222 9475
Tourism; Culture and the Arts Minister’s office - 9213 6900