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Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • When did the Perth Cultural Centre Project start?

    In August 2004, the WA State Government approved an extension to EPRA’s boundary to include the Perth Cultural Centre Precinct, bounded by Aberdeen, William, Roe and Beaufort Streets. 

    In 2005, EPRA developed a draft Urban Renewal Strategy to provide context and framework for the reactivation and future development of the area.

    Today, we are focussed on the activation of the area and are developing a Place Making plan which will focus on short, medium and long-term approaches to asset management, programming, improvements to public spaces and a self-funding business model.

    One of the first stages of this is the revitalisation of William Street, which will see this area become an activated, commercially viable street that enhances its heritage values and is unique and diverse in its retail offering. It involves the upgrade and lease of 16 EPRA-owned properties, which will play an important role in the regeneration of the Perth Cultural Centre, creating a connection between ‘traditional’ Northbridge and the Cultural Centre as a whole.

  • Where is Perth Cultural Centre?

    The 8.5 ha project area is located between the Perth CBD and Northbridge. It is bordered by Aberdeen, William, Roe and Beaufort Streets. 

  • How much money is being invested in the project?

    The State Government is investing $11million and EPRA has developed a long term self-funding business model to ensure the long term future of the precinct. $6million is being spent to revitalise William Street. The rental income generated through these buildings will pay for the initial investment to upgrade the heritage buildings, and then fund long term revitalisation activities in the Perth Cultural Centre. Other funds will be generated from new commercial operators in the Cultural Centre.

  • Is there any significant heritage value in the project area?

    Perth Cultural Centre is located in Northbridge, which is one of the city’s oldest inner-urban areas. This area’s past is rich and colourful and protecting and enhancing its heritage is a key revitalisation objective. The area is rich in architecturally, historically and culturally significant assets. It is home to some of WA’s major cultural institutions, including the State Library, Museum and Art Gallery and a number of heritage-listed buildings which date from the late 19th - early 20th Century.  Many buildings along the eastern side of William Street were constructed during the gold rush development boom of the 1890s and now form part of a State Heritage precinct.

  • What are the key features of the project?

    Perth Cultural Centre is one of Australia’s largest and most strategically located publicly owned landholdings. It includes Central TAFE, WA Art Gallery, State Library, Museum, the Blue Room Theatre, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) and the new State Theatre Centre (currently under construction).

  • What will the Perth Cultural Centre area be like?

    In the past, despite its location and many advantages, the Perth Cultural Centre has failed to realise its potential as a successful and iconic hub that celebrates the cultural aspirations of Western Australians. EPRA's focus for this project is on place activation and seeks to draw visitors to the area by creating a vibrant urban precinct. It will be a place for people of all ages and backgrounds and will celebrate Western Australia’s indigenous and multi-cultural heritage. This will impact positively upon the earning potential of the resident cultural agencies and neighbouring businesses.