Western Australia's new performing arts venue unveiled.

The winning concept design for Western Australia’s exciting new Performing Arts Venue has been unveiled by Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale.

Ms McHale said an impressive concept design by Kerry Hill Architects had beaten a field of 40 designs submitted by architects from around the world.

“This exciting design was unanimously judged the winner by an international jury panel chaired by WA Government Architect Professor Geoffrey London,” the Minister said.

“The judges unanimously decided the design had the most potential for resolving the urban design and functional requirements of the site.”

Ms McHale said the project, to be built on the corner of William and Roe Streets, Northbridge by late 2008, would comprise a 525-575 seat main theatre and a 200-seat studio theatre, with associated rehearsal and production spaces.

“This winning concept design will now be refined and we look forward to a functional and inspiring venue for performers and audiences - and one which is also a defining architectural landmark,” she said.

WA Government Architect and jury chair Professor Geoffrey London said the design was an intelligent solution to a complex site, which used a well-chosen palette of materials and featured a luminous fly-tower, creating a compelling night-time landmark.

Ms McHale said Kerry Hill Architects was an award-winning firm established in Singapore in 1979 with offices in Singapore and Fremantle.

“Mr Hill studied at UWA and worked on the Perth Concert Hall - the last performing arts venue built in the city 30 years ago,” she said.

“Kerry Hill Architects has won 25 design awards and designed the Darwin Performing Arts Centre and The Black Box theatre in Singapore.”

“Elements of the design include a glowing fly-tower that acts as a beacon to the surrounding city, spacious foyers and an intimate and interactive main theatre,” Mr Hill said.

“I believe this design has the potential to engage the WA public and provide a new identity for performing arts in the State.”

Ms McHale said construction of the venue would create 500 to 1,500 jobs and boost tourism numbers.

“The Gallop Government is providing new jobs and opportunities for Western Australians, as well as enhancing our unique lifestyle,” she said.

For more information about the competition and to view all the stage one and two design submissions, visit the CentreStage website: http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au.