# UC / Heath Ledger Theatre

[perthwa]

Council wants new theatre near Concert Hall
The Council of the City of Perth is seeking an urgent meeting with Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale over the location of a proposed $30 million theatre in the city.

At its meeting last night, the Council expressed its "strongest possible concern" over the decision of a State Government ministerial committee to eliminate the area near the Perth Concert Hall as a possible site for the new theatre venue.

Lord Mayor Dr Peter Nattrass said: "The City’s vision has been to create, in stages, an iconic performing arts precinct which would extend from the Perth Concert Hall to the river foreshore and that would include all the performing arts.

"Perth does not compare favourably with other capital cities in terms of a centralised, high-quality arts centre. With plans already in place to relocate the WA Symphony Orchestra to the Perth Concert Hall, here is the opportunity to create a site of artistic excellence.

"If there is not a change of thinking on the part of the Government, then a great planning opportunity will have been missed."

Dr Nattrass said the four sites under active consideration by the steering committee would be in isolation from any other arts or cultural venues and there would be limited opportunity to create a precinct which, of itself, could attract visitors.
http://www.perth.wa.gov.au/html/org10_.php?title=Council+wants+new+theatre+near+Concert+Hall&date=2004-10-27

[perthwa]

Plan for arts precinct under threat
THE Gallop Government has been accused of short-sightedness over plans for a $30 million theatre that will destroy the city council's vision of an international performing arts precinct.

Perth Lord Mayor Peter Nattrass and councillor Max Kay, a veteran theatre performer, said the Government's plan - to be announced today - would spell the end of a proposal to integrate the new theatre with the existing Perth Concert Hall in a precinct stretching to the Swan River foreshore.

In an unprecedented move, Dr Nattrass and Mr Kay called a press conference yesterday in a bid to pre-empt today's announcement after talks with Arts Minister Sheila McHale failed to resolve the issue.

Dr Nattrass said it was understood the Government would identify a site in the entertainment precinct of Northbridge as the preferred location to build a facility to replace the Playhouse Theatre in Pier Street by 2008.

Dr Nattrass said the council's proposal would accommodate the performing arts in one central area and capitalise on views of the river, while incorporating restaurants, cafes and arts retail outlets.

"Rarely does such a great opportunity arise to create something of real lasting benefit to the city for the next 100 years," Dr Nattrass said.

"We fear that opportunity is going to get lost. We fear it is going to get lost because of a lack of vision, because of ad hoc planning and I think to a degree because it is being influenced by an agenda of expediency."

Dr Nattrass said the city council had been working on the plan for an iconic performing arts precinct for seven years, and questioned the independence of a state government steering committee set up to investigate the location of the facility.

He said it was envisaged the precinct, to be built in stages, would eventually house the West Australian Symphony Orchestra - which is set to move to the existing concert hall with the help of $12million in council and state funding - the Playhouse Theatre, WA Opera, WA Ballet Co and Black Swan Theatre Company. Ms McHale would not comment yesterday on the location of the proposed theatre.

A spokesman for Premier Geoff Gallop said the location of the new theatre had the support of the arts community, but the Premier was disappointed Dr Nattrass did not back the proposal.

The plan for a new theatre venue has been investigated by consultant Graham Walne, who has consulted more than 50 individuals and organisations in the arts sector.

In a report to the Government, Mr Walne confirmed there was more support for the Perth Concert Hall area than any other site, but said the location would be controversial due to heritage issues.

Mr Kay said yesterday heritage issues could be overcome and were not unique to the concert hall site. He also questioned whether $30 million was adequate to fund the project.
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11293369%255E2761,00.html

[Scraperfan]

this is unbelievable.

we could have an iconic building on the river surrounded by new boardwalks and LIFE and they want to put it in northbridge????????????

im beginning to see now, that its the state government intervention that is screwing the cbd. the pcc are the experts, they hated the convention centre design and the government approved it, they wanted a better esplanade station - the state government gave us a shed, and now this!

and also in scarborough - local council wants good development and the government is intervening again. this is just so awful.

the foreshore marina better kick ass or im gonna lose total faith in this city.

[perthwa]

I can see both sides on this debate, cr tudori made and excelent point, put it at the concert hall site, people will park go to the show and leave again, put it in northbridge what is already such a vibrant precint, its next to public transport, and people are more likely to walk around after the show, get pre drinks + dinner, coffee after the show, the other site doesen't have to many cafes around so its a lost oportunity for more life in the CBD, however the reason this part of the CBD doesen't have to much life is because it doesen't have infrastructure like this, so really you can say we won' put it there because it has no cafes, but the problem might be things like that arn't there in the first place to attract the cafes, i can see how a precint of venues could come together to create a vibrant area, and can see how spreading them around can spread the life out, I think it will be great for northbridge, more culture, art and cosmopiltan vibe, it needs a facelift, and again im disapointed its not going to be on the western foreshore, could have been a real landmark, and once the foreshore is developed will be serviced by rail plus there are a range of eateries at barrack square, though on a budget that size i don't think they could have come up with a design deserving of a river front location, i saw a concept rendering of one west of barrack square elevated over the river, looked bloody amazing, thats what I want to see, they have probably gone for the cheapest posible location, because they haven' budgeted enough, why dont' we stop being rednecks and give some real funding to the culture and arts, though this is only a small theatre, replacing the play house

[perthwa]

State-of-the-art venue and central city site for WA's newest theatre
Western Australian theatre, the Perth Cultural Centre and the State's arts scene will all benefit from the construction of a new $42million purpose-built performing arts venue.

Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said the new theatre for drama and contemporary dance would be built at the corner of William and Roe Streets in Northbridge.

It would be the first large scale, purpose-built performing arts venue to be constructed in the city centre in more than 30 years and was expected to be completed in 2008.

State Cabinet had given the green light to the project, which would be a boon to the revitalisation of the Perth Cultural Centre and Northbridge and a major drawcard for local, national and international theatre productions and audiences.

"This venue will add new vibrancy to our local arts scene and also attract more theatre and dance productions to Perth and WA as a whole," Ms McHale said.

An expert steering committee had identified the Northbridge site as the best and had built on the work of theatre consultant Graham Walne in his initial feasibility report.

The new complex would feature sophisticated technical infrastructure and:
a main theatre with a 525-575 seating capacity in a 'west end' format, with stalls and circle and fly tower for housing scenery change mechanisms; and
studio theatre in a flexible format, with a 200-seat capacity.
"This site will act as a gateway between the city and the cultural and entertainment areas of the city and is another example of how this Government is working to provide first-class facilities for a first-class city," the Minister said.

"In four years the Gallop Labor Government has delivered a balanced Budget in every year, which has allowed us at the same time to spend a record amount of nearly $112million on the arts in capital construction, maintenance and public library resources."

Ms McHale said more than 50 key individuals and organisations had input into the planning process and 11 sites were identified and examined by the steering committee with extensive research and consultation in the community and arts sectors.

The Minister said all sites reviewed by the steering committee were strictly evaluated according to sustainability of location, heritage, planning and construction issues and whole-of-life costs including operational requirements.

"Some of the sites proposed were ruled out by the committee on the basis of significant heritage issues, planning problems such as height restrictions, and lack of supporting infrastructure including bars, restaurants and carparking," she said.

Design for the state-of-the-art venue will be selected through a highly competitive Architectural Design Competition to be advertised internationally.

The Department of Culture and the Arts will work with the Government Architect and Royal Architects Institute of Australia to develop the competition brief and select a judging panel.

Minister's office: 9213 6900

[perthwa]

Controversy over location of performing arts
A $42 million performing arts centre is to be built in Perth's Northbridge restaurant precinct, despite criticism from the city council.

WA culture and arts minister Sheila McHale announced today the centre would be the first large scale, purpose-built performing arts venue constructed in Perth in more than 30 years.

State cabinet has already approved the project, which Ms McHale described as a boon to the revitalisation of the Perth Cultural Centre and Northbridge.

"This venue will add new vibrancy to our local arts scene and also attract more theatre and dance productions to Perth and WA as a whole," Ms McHale said.

The announcement came after Perth Lord Mayor Peter Nattrass yesterday described the plan to locate the theatre complex away from the CBD as short-sighted and ad hoc.

Perth City Council's performing arts centre proposal favoured a venue site near the Perth Concert Hall on the Swan River foreshore.

[perthwa]

An extra $12m set aside for new theatre
The State Government has found an extra $12 million to build its new theatre in Northbridge and will conduct an international architecture competition to find the best design.

When completed in 2008 the theatre will be the first built by government in the city.

Arts Minister Sheila McHale yesterday announced the site of the theatre on the corner of Roe and William streets in Northbridge, even though the news had been leaked on Thursday.

Twenty-four hours before the official announcement the Perth City Council went public with its opposition to the Northbridge site, with Lord Mayor Peter Nattrass saying councillors preferred an alternative site on riverside carpark land adjacent to the Concert Hall.

Ms McHale firmly rejected the PCC's alternative site, saying the Northbridge site had been evaluated carefully by architects and endorsed by the arts community.

Two years ago, Ms McHale committed to spend $30 million on building the theatre on the eventual site, but she said that since then the Government had been able to find a further $12 million for construction.

Plans for the theatre include a mainstream theatre auditorium seating 525 to 575 people, with a small studio space for 200.

Ms McHale said the site had been determined after an exhaustive study of 11 potential sites, with the William and Roe streets site winning in terms of accessibility, heritage factors and ease of access.

The Concert Hall site had not "stacked up" and played down fears Northbridge was too violent at night.

She rejected suggestions that it would have been better to have adopted the PCC option of a more visionary multi-arts centre on the riverside. "These arts precincts are not as successful as some people think," she said.

Opposition Leader Colin Barnett said the decision was a missed chance to use the river foreshore for an "icon building" to attract tourists.

"Northbridge is a nightclub precinct that has problems with crime and is not a family-friendly location, particularly in the evening," Mr Barnett said.

"What Perth needs is a theatre complex that makes an architectural statement, that is going to be attractive to families and makes the most of our wonderful asset - the Swan River."

Splits also appeared yesterday in the PCC's opposition to the site, with councillors Bert Tudori and Lisa Scaffidi saying they were now in favour of Northbridge and had not been briefed properly by the Lord Mayor as to its advantages.

Perth's major theatre companies welcomed the decision.

The corner site was formerly the Governor Broome Hotel, which was demolished in the 80s and left vacant for many years until turned into a carpark.

[perthwa]

Goodby Ugly Arse Carpark
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid145/pf5f084b7a2e9386952f20f3b7e486cd4/f65e3a4d.jpg

[Dilaz89]

yeah its a very good location unlike the concet hall where theres no amanities or life. and colin barnett sould not be promoting northbridge as a non family-freindly place! its what ppl decide to make it and there are great family places along there!

[perthwa]

I like the location, it will be nice and urban in the current urban fabric, next to central station, heaps of cafe, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops close by, an area that needs a facelift, so it may be upsetting its not on the foreshore, but I think its a great location, and another boost for the culture precint, where epra's boundaries have been extended to, lets hope the design competetion bring up something special, the budget is pretty good now, $42million for a small site

[Auxodium]

yeah its a very good location unlike the concet hall where theres no amanities or life. and colin barnett sould not be promoting northbridge as a non family-freindly place! its what ppl decide to make it and there are great family places along there!

I bet Colin has never been to Northbridge! :D

[perthwa]

in the cultural centre tonight the mobile youth van had about 20 aboriginals playing basketball, great to see, maybe colin should get down the youth van and maybe donate some money to get the aboriginals playing sport and staying out of trouble insteead of taking cheap attacks at northbridge, its okay to rip into the place, but follow it up with action too, whining is pointless if your not going to do something to improve what your are whining about
http://www.wittybanter.net/photog/life/perth07.jpg

[perthwa]

THE REPORT>>>
http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/images/pavpreswebsite.pdf

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v391/perthwa/132-3247_IMG.jpg

[perthwa]

Black Swan prepares for main drama company role
Black Swan Theatre Company is to move to the new Northbridge theatre complex and assume the status of the state's major regional company.

But that doesn't mean it can expect more funding next year. In fact, its 2005 funding will be cut.

Arts Minister Sheila McHale announced this week that over the next four years the company would be upgraded from "niche" to "regional flagship" status.

She said WA needed a flagship company as a leader and to produce "works of scale" for state, national and, in time, international audiences.

"Black Swan, in partnership with the state government through ArtsWA and the major performing arts board of the Australia Council, has formally begun the transition to become WA's regional flagship company for theatre," Ms McHale said.

"There is still much to be done for the development of theatre in WA, but with the commitment of this government to the building of a new theatre complex in Perth's Cultural Centre, and its assistance to Black Swan to make its transition to regional flagship status, I genuinely believe there is an exciting and bright theatre light ahead of us," she said.

Black Swan confirmed it would move into the new Northbridge-based theatre, sharing the space with other theatre and dance companies.

The company and government funding bodies have agreed on a gradual process of growth from 2005 to 2008.

But while Black Swan's base-level funding will be increased next year, with 20% provided federally and 80% from the state coffers, it will lose its special ArtsWA touring funding.

The result will be a $200,000 shortfall next year.

Black Swan has appointed former Perth Theatre Company general manager to be its GM from January 4.

It has also launched its 2005 program, with a limited main house season that reflects its cut in funding.

Only four plays have been scheduled, one with Deckchair Theatre and one a co-production with Jeremy Sims' Porkchop Production company, in Sydney.

Tom Gutteridge, Black Swan's artistic director, said: "I'm not happy about only doing four shows, but we have to be pragmatic."

Though the company might be over-staffed next year, it had to set up the infrastructure that would allow it to take on the mantle of flagship company over the next four years, he said.

The 2005 season is due to open with the Perth International Arts Festival production, Zastrozzi: The Master of Discipline, starring Marcus Graham (now one of Black Swan's honorary patrons).

This is followed by a one-man show, The Lightkeeper, starring Melbourne actor Ian Scott.

The last two plays will be written by local playwright Reg Cribb (The Chatroom): Ruby's Last Dollar starring Jacki Weaver and an adaptation of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, the only play in the season to have a mainly WA cast and crew.

Tom said giving plays a national focus and "repatriating" WA-born actors like Marcus Graham and Hayley McElhinney was part of the company's national focus.

[perthwa]

'PCC reneging on theatre deal'
Perth City Council's opposition to the state government's decision to locate a new drama theatre in Northbridge is yet another example of its dog-in-the-manger approach to cultural planning ("New theatre brings

applause, brickbats", by Sarah McNeill, POST 13/11).

(Readers may recall the PCC threatened to withdraw Festival of Perth sponsorship when the University of WA changed the festival's name without first asking its permission.)

A site analysis ranked the Perth Cultural Centre precinct ahead of the Perth Concert Hall.

Respondent preferences also ranked Northbridge ahead.

It's a bit rich for lord mayor Peter Nattrass now to claim a concept plan of seven years' gestation to extend the concert hall to the river.

The plan has never been made public; there has not been significant discussion with any of the "home" bodies listed in Sarah's report.

Dr Nattrass's claim that a $4 million contribution was contingent on a performance-based precinct at the concert hall is rubbish!

The government agreed to contribute $8 million to relocate the WA Symphony Orchestra if a recital hall were in the plan; PCC agreed and committed $4 million to the project.

The council appears to have reneged on that agreement.

Further, it is contributing nothing towards building a theatre.

If the PCC is serious about the performing arts, and music in particular, it would complement the concert hall with a recital hall for small-scale music making.

The addition of a recital hall, much-needed, would not affect parking or encounter water-table problems that any extension at the foreshore would face.

It was the Charles Court Liberal government that first identified Northbridge as appropriate for a theatre complex.

Governments of both persuasions have failed to address the infrastructure needs for theatre. Recycling the Maj was a convenient excuse to do nothing.

Sheila McHale is to be congratulated and supported for being the first arts minister in 30 years to get Cabinet commitment for a theatre, and the money to go with it.

David Hough
Devon Road, Swanbourne

[RocStar]

Perth city council and their visons….pffft..First I thought , yeah this was a brilliant idea…An Icon structure!, up to the rivers edge…Brilliant!…That’s until I found out the budget was only $42million..and that’s after the ‘just announced’ $12 mil increase….Sorry… the PCC should just collect the rates and shut the fuck up and stop dreaming all the fucken time…What the fuck were they expecting to build for such a low budget??.a Sydney fucken opera house?…The way they are going on, you would think.

fuck over:D

[perthwa]

$42 million is a pretty reasonable budget for a small theatre, anyway been inside the sop, what a fucken shit hole looks great, but i can see the outside on a postcard, these icons for icons sake are a waste really, i want more than just an icon but a great fuctioning building inside and out, and the city of perth were offering about $8m towards there proposed concert hall performing arts precint, what we really need is a shared state and city of perth vision for the city, so they stop piss fighting, and having unco planning, and get the best for this city not just to look good for an election

[perthwa]

Battle of the theatres
HIS Majesty's Theatre received $340,000 in public funding in its centenary this year, while the more popular Regal Theatre could not afford toilets for the disabled.

The toilets were among many items on a $2 million list for the Subiaco art deco landmark that needed urgent attention.

Seats needed replacing, the facade needed restoration and lighting needed to be rewired.

The Sunday Times understands the state-owned His Majesty's will be made a heritage icon later this month by the WA Government.

His Majesty's, the City of Perth-owned Perth Concert Hall, the City of Subiaco-owned Subiaco Theatre Centre and the Anglican Church-owned Playhouse Theatre received about $2.2 million between them from the Government last financial year.

The Regal received about $115,000 in heritage grants over the past five years.

The Regal, which opened in 1938, has more than 300,000 cinemagoers through its doors annually, almost treble His Majesty's attendances last financial year.

Former Subiaco mayor Richard Diggins said the Baker Theatre Trust, which was established to ensure the Regal's existence, had emptied its purse of about $400,000 in renovations in the past three years.

Mr Diggins, one of the unpaid trustees who manage the theatre, joined the National Trust (WA) and called for $2.1 million to be given to the Regal by the State Government.

He said the theatre was an icon treasured and well-used by the community.

"It's a fulcrum for Subiaco and is the only theatre, probably in Australia, which has two street frontages, so it is unique," he said.

"But we're not just going to sit and wait for funds, (together) with the National Trust we will establish a friends of the Regal Theatre group to raise money."

National Trust chief executive Tom Perrigo, who wrote to Premier Geoff Gallop asking for funding, said the Baker Trust had proposed donating the building to the National Trust.

He said the National Trust was established by an Act of Parliament, so the Regal would then effectively be owned by the WA community and could get more Government support.

Heritage Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich said the Government recognised the Regal's heritage significance.

The theatre had received $115,000 in heritage grants since 1999.

She said the National Trust's request would be considered in the context of community priorities.

Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said His Majesty's and the other government-funded venues supported performing arts and provided homes for WA's main professional performing arts companies.

These included the WA Opera and the Perth Theatre Company. The Regal was a commercial theatre managed by a private business, Interstar Pty Ltd.

She said the WA Government had to use taxpayer funds to support state-owned facilities or those with long-term partnership arrangements.

[perthwa]

The Maj receives a special 100th birthday gift
His Majesty's Theatre celebrated its 100th birthday today with the extra special present of being named a Western Australian heritage icon and $1.5million in new funding for lighting and electrical work.

Following a year of celebratory events enjoyed by 140,000 people, Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale announced the honour at a ceremony marking the theatre's 100 years of achievement.

"His Majesty's Theatre is one of our capital's most beautiful heritage buildings and is a truly outstanding landmark for theatregoers and visitors alike," Ms McHale said.

Along with the Midland Workshops, the theatre was declared a State Heritage Icon for December by the Minister, representing Premier Geoff Gallop, celebrating 175 years of the State's history.

His Majesty's Theatre joins other WA icons named this year including the Swan River, Fremantle Harbour, Kings Park, Albany Anzac Dawn Service, Rottnest Island, Broome Pearls, Ningaloo, the Western Derby, the Royal Show and Kalgoorlie Gold.

Ms McHale announced that facilities would be further improved with the Gallop Government's allocation of $1.5million to upgrade the outdated electrical and lighting infrastructure.

The work will lead to better performance production values, improved energy efficiency and improved occupational health and safety.

Heritage Council Chairman Mr Patric De Villiers and Year of the Built Environment's Steering Committee Chairman Mr Warren Kerr joined the Minister today to unveil a stage door plaque in recognition of performers.

Ms McHale said that in its 100 years, His Majesty's had showcased thousands of performers and delighted generations of audiences.

"Some of the more notable artists to have passed through the original stage door include Dame Nellie Melba, Anna Pavlova, Percy Grainger, Gladys Moncrieff,
Dame Margot Fonteyn, Sir Robert Helpmann, Katherine Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, Sir John Gielgud, Claudette Colbert and Rex Harrison," the Minister said.

"This theatre and its magnificent auditorium have brought an undeniable energy and passion to our society and contributed to the cultural and social fabric of our State."

As part of the day's celebrations, the Hon Sir Charles Court buried a special 'time capsule' in the theatre's foyer. The capsule contains His Majesty's Theatre memorabilia and is set to be opened in another 100 years, in 2104.

[perthwa]

The Maj receives a special 100th birthday gift
His Majesty's Theatre celebrated its 100th birthday today with the extra special present of being named a Western Australian heritage icon and $1.5million in new funding for lighting and electrical work.

Following a year of celebratory events enjoyed by 140,000 people, Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale announced the honour at a ceremony marking the theatre's 100 years of achievement.

"His Majesty's Theatre is one of our capital's most beautiful heritage buildings and is a truly outstanding landmark for theatregoers and visitors alike," Ms McHale said.

Along with the Midland Workshops, the theatre was declared a State Heritage Icon for December by the Minister, representing Premier Geoff Gallop, celebrating 175 years of the State's history.

His Majesty's Theatre joins other WA icons named this year including the Swan River, Fremantle Harbour, Kings Park, Albany Anzac Dawn Service, Rottnest Island, Broome Pearls, Ningaloo, the Western Derby, the Royal Show and Kalgoorlie Gold.

Ms McHale announced that facilities would be further improved with the Gallop Government's allocation of $1.5million to upgrade the outdated electrical and lighting infrastructure.

The work will lead to better performance production values, improved energy efficiency and improved occupational health and safety.

Heritage Council Chairman Mr Patric De Villiers and Year of the Built Environment's Steering Committee Chairman Mr Warren Kerr joined the Minister today to unveil a stage door plaque in recognition of performers.

Ms McHale said that in its 100 years, His Majesty's had showcased thousands of performers and delighted generations of audiences.

"Some of the more notable artists to have passed through the original stage door include Dame Nellie Melba, Anna Pavlova, Percy Grainger, Gladys Moncrieff, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Sir Robert Helpmann, Katherine Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, Sir John Gielgud, Claudette Colbert and Rex Harrison," the Minister said.

"This theatre and its magnificent auditorium have brought an undeniable energy and passion to our society and contributed to the cultural and social fabric of our State."

As part of the day's celebrations, the Hon Sir Charles Court buried a special 'time capsule' in the theatre's foyer. The capsule contains His Majesty's Theatre memorabilia and is set to be opened in another 100 years, in 2104.

[Auxodium]

god damn it just build it in Northbridge!!!

[Dilaz89]

Enjoyment of arts and culture hits a record high in Western Australia.

Arts and culture enlivens our society, makes us proud and provides vital education for our children, according to Western Australians surveyed in the 2005 Arts Monitor.

Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale said this year's survey, conducted in March, quizzed 400 Western Australians about their expenditure, attendance, attitudes and opinions of arts and cultural events.

"The survey reveals Western Australians value arts and culture more than ever," Ms McHale said.

"The importance of creativity in education through music, painting, writing, drama and media attracted resounding support from 97 per cent of respondents - the highest figure ever recorded in the survey."

The Minister said local artistic success was also recognised, with 79 per cent agreeing the achievements of local artists, musicians, actors and writers gave them a sense of pride.

"Furthermore, 73 per cent of respondents agreed the arts have an important role in how we view our way of life," she said.

"The arts reflects our cultural diversity - inspiring, entertaining and engaging the community to continue to make WA a vibrant and creative place to live, visit and work.

"The Gallop Government is enhancing WA's unique lifestyle."

This year's Arts Monitor revealed another strong result for WA original contemporary music, with 22 per cent of respondents signalling they attended performances - up six per cent on 2004 and 11 per cent on 2003.

The number of respondents purchasing local music recordings increased 10 per cent in the past two years, with the most popular acts including recipients of Government Contemporary Music Grants such as John Butler Trio, The Waifs and Little Birdy.

The results showed 62 per cent of respondents attended the cinema in the past three months and 45 per cent visited a library.

The results of the research is available on the Department of Culture and the Arts website http://www.dca.wa.gov.au or by contacting the department on 9224 7300

[Dilaz89]

Enter CentreStage - design competition for WA's new state-of-the-art theatre

Architects from around the world are invited to enter their designs for Western Australia' s new $42million performance venue.

Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale today announced the start of the international design competition for the theatre to be built in Northbridge.

"The competition has two objectives - to create a fantastic space for the audience and to create a functional and inspiring space for the performers," Ms McHale said.

"This venue will be at the cutting edge of architectural innovation and design excellence and reflect the value of performing arts to our society.

"State-of-the-art technical equipment in two performance spaces means this amazing venue will advance WA's production standards and artistic innovation."

The Minister said an expert jury, chaired by the State Government Architect Professor Geoffrey London, would judge the entries.

Other jury members will include eminent national and international architects and a representative from the performing arts sector:

Professor Adèle Naudé Santos, Dean of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology;
Professor Leon Van Schaik, Innovation Professor at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology;
Mr Gus Fergusson, director of Fergusson Architects (Perth);
Mr Michael Lynch, chief executive of South Bank Centre (London); and
Mr Alastair Bryant, director general of the Department of Culture and the Arts.
Ruth Durack, director of the Urban Design Centre of WA, has been appointed administrator, in accordance with Royal Australian Institute of Architects guidelines.

"This is one of the few opportunities we get to be part of something that will contribute so much to Perth's identity and our performing arts," Ms McHale said.

"The Gallop Government is improving the quality of service to Western Australians."

The winning design will be announced in November 2005, followed by an exhibition of the short-listed designs.

Full details of the competition process are available on the CentreStage website at http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au

[Pas]

This project has been talk about for a while now. Actually I've seen some designs the 3rd year Curtin architecture students are doing for this site. some good stuffs.

I would like to see interstate and international architects enter this competition...
BTW there is little shed next to the arthouse building which was probably the first school building in WA. Would be pity if they demolish that one.

[Dilaz89]

Architects worldwide interested in designing new state-of-the-art theatre

137 registrations have been received from architects around the world who are interested in submitting their designs for Western Australia’s new $42 million performing arts venue.

Government Architect and Jury Chair Professor Geoffrey London said the CentreStage design competition has received registrations from countries that include Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, USA, United Kingdom, Singapore, Taiwan and Swaziland.

“Nearly 50% of the registrations are from Australia and the remainder have been from many different continents around the world.

“We’re looking forward to viewing exciting design concepts that reflect the importance of performing arts to the Western Australian community.”

Professor London said detailed site information, a generalised building brief, and the submission requirements have been published on the CentreStage web site.

“The competition process is currently at Stage 1 and eligible teams are now invited to submit a statement of qualifications and conceptual sketches. From these submissions, the jury will select four finalists to proceed to Stage 2.”

Jury members including Professor Adèle Naudé Santos, Dean of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Professor Leon Van Schaik, Innovation Professor at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology; Mr Gus Fergusson, Director of Fergusson Architects (Perth); Michael Lynch, Chief Executive, South Bank Centre (London); Mr Alastair Bryant, Department of Culture and the Arts Director General will meet in Perth for the first-round judging process on 7-8 August 2005.

“The winning design will be announced in November 2005, followed by an exhibition of the short-listed entries and other selected submissions,” Professor London said.

The new state-of-the-art performing arts venue will be built on the corner of William and Roe Streets, Northbridge by the end of 2008.

For more information about the competition, visit the CentreStage website at www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au

[Dilaz89]

www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au

[Dilaz89]

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/images/NamedAerial.gif

[Dilaz89]

the site
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/images/southtohorseshoebr.png

[Dilaz89]

The CentreStage site
The site of the new performing arts venue is the northeast corner of William and Roe Streets, including three William Street buildings, through to the Art Gallery Carpark and the PICA building on the east. The existing restaurant (320 m2) must be replaced in its present location, but the new facility may extend above it. Although the Arts House building is expected to remain, the northern 'boundary' of the site is the original James Street alignment, allowing the new facility to connect to the pedestrian (and possibly vehicular) spine of the Cultural Centre Centre with relationships to existing development that maintain its present function. For example, commercial uses on William Street are currently serviced by a rear driveway; the new facility may extend to the back of these buildings, provided the existing service function is maintained. A similar requirement is in place for the area between Arts House and PICA.
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/images/NamedHorseshoe.png

[Dilaz89]

Who will design WA's new performing arts venue?


23/8/05

Five acclaimed architectural companies have been shortlisted to design Western Australia's new $42million performing arts venue.

Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said the 40 design concepts received from architects worldwide were short-listed after the jury panel gathered in Perth recently for the first stage of the international design competition CentreStage.

Ms McHale said the firms invited to proceed to Stage Two of the competition included designers of Sydney Theatre, Singapore's theatre complex and the Sydney Opera House refurbishment.

The other firms were:

PTW Architects, Sydney in association with Jones Coulter Young, Perth;
Johnson Pilton Walker, Sydney in association with Utzon Associates Architects, Denmark;
Kerry Hill Architects, Singapore and Fremantle;
KPF, London in association with Theatre Projects Consultants International and Hoffman and Brown Architects of Cottesloe and Crawford Rattigan Associates of Nedlands; and
John Wardle and Partners, Melbourne.
"Architects outside WA were encouraged to enter the competition in collaboration with a local architect or firm, forming a partnership, joint venture or consortium with architects licensed to practise here," the Minister said.

"The jury panel will meet again in November for the final stage of the judging process."

Ms McHale said the jury comprised Government Architect and jury chair Professor Geoffrey London, Professor Adèle Naudé Santos, Dean of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Professor Leon Van Schaik, Innovation Professor at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology; Gus Fergusson, director of Fergusson Architects (Perth); Michael Lynch, chief executive, South Bank Centre (London); and Alastair Bryant, Culture and the Arts Director General.

"The winning design will be announced in November, followed by an exhibition of all 40 submissions," the Minister said.

"The Gallop Government is improving the quality of services for Western Australians."

The new state-of-the-art performing arts venue will be built on the corner of William and Roe Streets, Northbridge by the end of 2008.

For more information about the competition, visit the CentreStage website at http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au

[RocStar]

I can’t wait to see it. It will make a great entry statement to Northbridge from the CBD.

[RocStar]

Ok here is the winning design. It looks like part of the higher part of the building will be used as a screen fronting James st mall, the only good thing about this design..

Key qualities of the winning scheme include:
·an intelligent solution to a complex site, producing a clearly legible organisation of the facility;

·elegant massing that relates comfortably to the Cultural Centre context;

·appropriately scaled elements that respect adjacent heritage buildings;

·Roe and the critical William Street corner are activated with a transparent, multi-layered foyer;

·Public circulation through the facility is encouraged with connection through an urban room linking James and William Streets

·A well chosen palette of materials; and

·The luminous fly tower creates a compelling night time landmark for the performing arts facility and the Cultural Centre in general

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43a.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43b.jpg http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43c.jpg

Check out this...just one of losing enters. I like this way better!
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/42a.jpg

Go here (http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/index.asp) to see the other entires and more pix and info on the winning design.

[jcocks]

No doubt it will henceforth be referred to as "The Box" :)

How uninspiring, and...well...boring.

I hope the reality is a bit better looking and more interesting.

[Perth4life3]

haha i thought that by competition they ment like little kids drawings ahaha.

i like the one that didnt win that Rocstar posted.

[waustralia]

Urgh. It looks like the one in Mandurah! And Mandurah, as you all known, is a small town. The second one is a lot better, its a bit daring.

:rant: Stupid person who accepted it.

[waustralia]

This is how it is. 1 and 5 are shit! 7, 36 (spaceship) and 24 are wtf. 28.. well its different.

But these 3, there nice.

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/30a.jpg

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/34a.jpg

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/06a.jpg

[Dilaz89]

what the fuck? our government is a bunch of conservative wankers!!!! how crap is thw winning design?!?! No wonder everyone takes the piss out of us! :(

[chrisaus]

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43l.jpg

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43i.jpg

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43d.jpg

[Scraperfan]

the design that won is the worst of the whole lot!!!!

DAMN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I get so angry with this city, some of the losing designs look GREAT!

Its like they have said, which one looks the worst and we will go for that one, whereas the best and most interesting design, we will chop than one out of the running first.

gotta love that one rocstar posted with the glass.

ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY for a great landmark lost, its strike three for this city.

1. the convention centre - could of been INSPIRING
2. Belltower could of been three times the size - a world landmark
3. perth theatre. we are building a box which could of been a new statement building.

oh yeh and add the "shed" design of the esplanade station to that. the original design was nice and curvy and architecturally appealing.

Look at Melbourne's federation square. Now thats forward thinking.

[Citystyle]

I rather like the winning design a nice sharpe edge to it, not quite as out there as the other's love the old facade's included. Though i like the second last one more it beats the other designs shown.

[Dilaz89]

sure its not 'ugly'. but why settle for second best? perth has no cutting edge architechture what so ever! I cant really think of any that is planned either!

[Citystyle]

It is cutting edge. It is probably the the most melbourne like building out of any of them. Simple but elligent with what looks to be in the render the finest. The second one looks like crap.

It's not like the minister was judging it was highly regarded snoobs and i agree it's a good choice.

[Citystyle]

Only one i would have rather have had.

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/44a.jpg

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/44h.jpg

Great shapes for other building's but really mabey for a art gallery or perths version of federation square. But if i go to the WASO it must feel urban but casual with class the real art is on stage. Somthing that jumps at you is not ideal for this type of building.

[RocStar]

It looks like they went more for practicality. This design doesn’t over power the surrounding heritage buildings. However the more dynamic designs would have drawn you more to the area I think. Having said that, it really is hard to judge some of the other designs realistically. Some of the render pics are over glorified.

[Auxodium]

lol i like the designs now. :P At least we will get something that not only will be a great venue but also a tourist attraction :)

[Citystyle]

I agree^

[Scraperfan]

ill repeat my stance here, i disagree with both of you.

this choice is a disgrace to the city. i am thinking that the simplistic architecture of the winning design is a reflection that it was the cheapest to build. i havnt done my homework to prove that though. with the economics of building these days it doesnt make sense to "waste" money on architectural features that serve no practical purpose. perhaps a government fund for architecture should be set up, so that developers can apply to that pool of money in order to add otherwise profit taking architectural statements to their buildings.

[Citystyle]

It was not a based on economic reasons the judges were all archeitech's and there was no nimbs involvment. I think it's perfect for our new concert hall.

[Perth4life3]

what are they doing with the old concert hall? that one is far superior architetually than this one and its soo much older!!

[tbor]

what are they doing with the old concert hall? that one is far superior architetually than this one and its soo much older!!

Nothing. They only recently renovated the Square & Entrance on the Terrace side, so I doubt they would modify (or even redevelop) it for 5-10 yrs +.

Its a boring block of concrete IMO. Only looks nice at night when they shine coloured lights at it.

[Citystyle]

It's of poor quility so i say knock it down. Has been little to know restoration on it so it's horrid.

[Perth4life3]

i meant inside its awesome, very classy IMO.

[theperthvan]

It may not look that swish externally, but the acoustics of the 'old' Concert Hall are considered the best in Australia. Having performed there a couple of times, I can certainly vouch for that.

http://www.mellenevents.com/Artists_Images/Auditorium%201.JPG

[Perth4life3]

exactly its got lots of class, i love the place inside with the red carpet and everything seems so shiny.

[Dilaz89]

its great architectually from the outside for a 60's building! It should be fully upgraded to todays standards.

[chrisaus]

its not replacing the concert hall its replacing the playhouse theatre on pier street in the cbd. that site will be redeveloped. its a performance theatre

[Scraperfan]

the best thing about this project putting the building design aside is its location. being opposite the horseshoe bridge - which will become a public piazza within five years, it will create a nice little precinct. the smartest thing they could do is build restaurants, pub and cafe's which can open at night under the horseshoe bridge so that people attending the plays can stay in the area, plus the raine sq development is right over the road too.

would be good if they could light up the horseshoe bridge at night eventually too.

[Citystyle]

Of course along with the link site people can go to a event then walk across the street to a cafe where they can walk or get a taxi back to the hotel or appartment. And by putting more than one large event venue you can run multiple events and will draw huge amounts of people to the area.

I agree if it was better lit it would feel safer and with more people it looks safer and with a sucken rail you will bring all maner of things to the area. This place will be amazing in 13 years.

[Scraperfan]

nah i think it will be amazing in 12 years :)

(haha why 13 dude?)

[RocStar]

God no! It will be amazing within 5/10years:) Within 15 years the whole area (Northbridge link) will be fully developed if not sooner. It’s too close to the CBD to remain vacant for such a long period. Once the direct link is made it still will be something even before any development begins on top.

[Auxodium]

Nothing. They only recently renovated the Square & Entrance on the Terrace side, so I doubt they would modify (or even redevelop) it for 5-10 yrs +.

Its a boring block of concrete IMO. Only looks nice at night when they shine coloured lights at it.


i like the concert hall i like it's straight pillars and that is what i like about smaller building slike that....very romanesque. (plus my grandfather was involved in the construction side of it)

but at least all these designs are different and have a lasting appeal compared to the Art Gallery and similar buildings.

[Pas]

WOW there are some fantastic entries in this competition.... I think it's the best competition we have in Perth so far (after the PCC) that have attract the number of big name architects!

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/44h.jpg
This glass facade (KPF entry) is cool. It reminds me a lot of the glass roof at the British museum in London that was designed by Foster. Not sure if it's practical for Perth weather though.
The winning design is very plain both the exterior and interior..It looks more like a dull office building than a performing art center...

[Pas]

i like the concert hall i like it's straight pillars and that is what i like about smaller building slike that....very romanesque. (plus my grandfather was involved in the construction side of it)

but at least all these designs are different and have a lasting appeal compared to the Art Gallery and similar buildings.

Cool your granpa was involve in construction of it! I really think the concert hall building could be restore to its former glory (like Council House) with some minor refurbishment, repainting, recladding.. and activate the spaces around it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/passean/DSC00839a.jpg

[Auxodium]

yuk that angle is horrible. I agree the hall needs to improve its interaction with the surrounding urban form.

[Scraperfan]

The coloured lights out the front on the other side of that pic actually look great. I think with so much bare concrete some light casting could be used on this building, so say rove was in town you could project his image onto the bare walls, light the arts festival, but permanent.

Or as seen on that pic that big horizontal space could be filled by an advertising screen like on the bgc building that advertises the events.

[RocStar]

Sound like a great idea Scraperfan ! They projected images on buildings during the festival of Perth I think, but it wasn't advertising, more of a light spectacle. Chris posted some great pics of it.
They could even find some suitable buildings around the city and have this kind of thing permanently too. This could be a ‘unique perth thing’ if done right. Like say.. all the facades in the Murray st mall lit up with imagery! :p

[Dilaz89]

the shon a image on telstra during ARTRAGE. that was good.

[perthguy78]

yeah the more of that the better.. its a wonder Telstra havent used their concrete heap of shit for advertising..

[perthguy78]

yeah the more of that the better.. its a wonder Telstra havent used their concrete heap of shit for advertising..

[Pas]

Sound like a great idea Scraperfan ! They projected images on buildings during the festival of Perth I think, but it wasn't advertising, more of a light spectacle. Chris posted some great pics of it.
They could even find some suitable buildings around the city and have this kind of thing permanently too. This could be a ‘unique perth thing’ if done right. Like say.. all the facades in the Murray st mall lit up with imagery! :p

A couple of images projected onto the wall @ Alexander Library during Northbridge festival.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/passean/DSC_00056.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/passean/DSC_00040.jpg
Have you guys seen the ones at His Majesty's Theatre? I reckon that was good.

[RocStar]

Thanks Pas. Chris posted some way back of His Maj. From memory, the images covered the whole facade but it was more of a pattern or it could have been of people? Can’t recall, but yeah it looked great. I remember other buildings also almost entirely covered in patterns too.

[Scraperfan]

Is this sort of thing expensive?

I don't know why it is not used more often, The concert hall could permanently be light cast with whatever is playing along with the other show venues.

And we have the biggest billboard in any Australian city in the Tesltra building, Telstra could use three of the walls for advertising that could be seen for a few km's in all directions. And it would look great!

I guess it is a nice "treat" when a festival comes around, but a good idea should become permanent. I wonder what the pcc thinks.

[Auxodium]

well i am sure the PCC would agree and want to keep it a regular fixture.

[RocStar]

It may be a permanent thing with this new Theatre project.
“The luminous fly tower creates a compelling night time landmark for the performing arts facility and the Cultural Centre in general”
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43b.jpg

[mike_london]

so any news on this redevelopment? very much needed in perth. is there a schedule? or is it on hold, waiting for nmr and northbridge link to be completed?

[Dilaz89]

Think it begins sometime this year.

[chrisaus]

the budget is now $66million and they have added some more features to the building and site

[chrisaus]

with a 2008 completion i would expect this project to get underway late this year

[chrisaus]

forward site works are starting soon

[chrisaus]

romany restaurant is moving soon because of this project, not long until we see site works and another city surface carpark disapear

[Dilaz89]

I hope il padrino isn't moving. Then where will i go for a cheap eat after council meetings?:D

[RocStar]

I’m having second thoughts on the chosen design. I came across it again the other night and thought, this was the one they should of chose. How disappointing really. Not only does it look better on the outside but the inside by a mile too. What were they thinking? It’s such a striking design. It’s the type of structure you would photograph unlike the chosen design.

I know it doesn’t tie in with the existing architecture, but hey, god knows the area could do with major uplift and will add to the diversity that is Northbridge. Also, lets look at the Town Hall/Treasury development.

Imagine this with the new indoor stadium just up the road!! Culture, isn't that what Northbridge is (trying to be) about?

I saw a similar design recently in Singapore and thought how great it looked and it reminded me of this project.
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/44a.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/44d.jpg http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/44b.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/44h.jpg
I guess it’s too late now or is it? More here (http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/45.asp)

[chrisaus]

they government are making steps in the right direction with the new stadium design, but yeah, i agree why do they bother having design competions then choosing the most boring one, can you belive the pcec was from a design competetion, my guess it cost, the budget is just under $70million for this project. if it was in melbourne they would probably give it $400million, is it because perth is full of suburban gits who dont care about museums galleries and theatre or is it because the government are half arse bastards? i did read perth has the highest per capita attendance to culture things eg cinema, plays, concerts. so we should really be investing big in it, and keep the local talent in perth...

[planner-stu]

I guess it’s too late now or is it

Yes, yes it really is.

[RocStar]

^^Damn!

[Scraperfan]

The top 5 designs look amazing.

However, it is like they decided to deliberately choose the worst one. I mean seriously it is making me feel sick after viewing the ones that almost made it.

The only peace of mind is the supposed light tower in the winning design.

*yawn*

[city_thing]

I don't even understand how this one made it into the top 5?
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/45a.jpg
The only good thing about it, is that it was designed by Utzon architects. Surely they could have put in a bit more thought though, the design looks more like a suburban shopping centre than a performing arts centre. Thank God it didn't win.

[Scraperfan]

If you look at the site plan it actually does a lot to link the train station and horseshoe bridge more than most of the designs. Although a bit boring on the outside, its functionality seemed one of the best to me especially with the staggered pedestian flow from one level to the next. The winning design has no bridges!

[RocStar]

Maybe we can get the West to run a story on how another wasted opportunity for some bold architecture went begging similar to the Convention Centre.

[Bonga]

...

[Dilaz89]

I dont think the above design is getting built. Kerry hill was the chosen architect.

[chrisaus]

he never said it was

[chrisaus]

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43a.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43b.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43c.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43d.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43e.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43h.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43i.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43j.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43k.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43l.jpg

Kerry Hill Architects
Singapore and Fremantle
Kerry Hill Architects is a planning, architecture and interior design practice committed to innovative and regionally appropriate architecture.

The firm has extensive experience with resort and city hotels, commercial developments, schools, the performing arts, recreation facilities, corporate and restaurant interiors, residential architecture and restoration projects.

Its design concept proposes the following elements:

The arrangement of the main theatre above the studio theatre minimises the building footprint, allowing the location of a large multifunction outdoor performance venue on the site. The informality of the outdoor space means it will attract a more diverse audience and extend the venue’s reach beyond traditional theatre audiences.
The architecture of the new venue is deliberately contemporary in expression. It proposes the clear articulation of building elements through material and form. The design seeks to establish strong visual identities for both theatres through materials – a black metal cubic volume for the studio theatre and a curved timber cylinder for the main theatre. These identities are clearly visible from the foyers and Roe Street.
Elements such as a glowing flytower that acts as a beacon to the surrounding city, generous and spatially adventurous foyers and an intimate and an interactive main theatre combine to produce a greater whole. The elements are contained in a clearly articulated architectural expression of solid and transparent volumes. The material palette is deliberately robust responding to the urban nature of the site.
The containment of the vertical circulation to the foyers in an expressed gilded bronze box encourages a sense of event and spectacle, increasing the anticipation of the performance. Combined, these elements become an abstract sculpture of interlocking planes and prisms contrasting solidity and transparency.
Jury Comments
This submission was unanimously judged as the concept with most potential for resolving the urban design and functional requirements of the site.

Key qualities of the winning scheme include:

an intelligent solution to a complex site, producing a clearly legible organisation of the facility;
elegant massing that relates comfortably to the Cultural Centre context;
appropriately scaled elements that respect adjacent heritage buildings;
Roe and the critical William Street corner are activated with a transparent, multi-layered foyer;
Public circulation through the facility is encouraged with connection through an urban room linking James and William Streets
A well chosen palette of materials; and
The luminous fly tower creates a compelling night time landmark for the performing arts facility and the Cultural Centre in general
The design proposal demonstrates a sensitive response to local scale and context without compromising the strength of the architectural idea.

[mikeyraw]

The winning design is very chic IMO. Although building the bubble would have been great and a real landmark, the other designs bordered on Tacky, something you can definetly not do with a Cultural District. All in all, thank god its getting built with minimum fuss.

[planner-stu]

Do you guys remember who was responsible for making this decision? Heres a reminder:

An expert jury, chaired by the State Government Architect Professor Geoffrey London.
Professor Adèle Naudé Santos, Dean of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology;
Professor Leon Van Schaik, Innovation Professor at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology;
Mr Gus Fergusson, director of Fergusson Architects (Perth);
Mr Michael Lynch, chief executive of South Bank Centre (London); and
Mr Alastair Bryant, director general of the Department of Culture and the Arts.
Ruth Durack, director of the Urban Design Centre of WA, was appointed administrator, in accordance with Royal Australian Institute of Architects guidelines.

I struggle to think of a group of people better qualified to judge proposals of this nature. Whether or not you agree with the final choice, I think it is fair to say that an excellent design was chosen and that the state government went about this process in an admirable fashion.

[Ipggi]

I know people here dont like the design but I don't mind it. I think it will look alot better once built then in these renders. It has a classy feel to it. Plus there is a beckon that at night that will light up which is appropriate being located in the night district of Northbridge.

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43b.jpg

[Dilaz89]

Its ok, just not the best. Why accept second best??? Stu- Thats what they want you to believe, they needed to keep in with costs hence they chose the cheapest, best looking design.

[planner-stu]

You're dead right there mate... they assembled a panel of highly qualified people to make a decision within a budget... they did their job and, ultimately, they have delivered what is a great design. Did you really expect them to make a decision on this regardless of cost Dilaz? Don't be so naive.

[Scraperfan]

When you could confuse a performing arts centre with another regular office block, you know its a dud. Unfortunately, this one is just another office block.

yes it may tick all the right boxes for functionality however I dont think that is the issue here with most of the popular opinion in this thread (Stu), its the look of the building that does nothing to inspire. Great architecture in this early 21st century is all about scale, bright colours and flamboyance.

If the light tower could change colours then perhaps it would be alright. The addition of large screens and flags could also brighten its exterior. I might have even given it a tick if reds, blues or yellows were used in the colour and a bit of neon lighting.

[Dilaz89]

They should have considered a design, irrespectable of cost (within reason). The budget for this is pretty low. If it where in Melbourne, greater emphysis would have put on a good design with a budget in the hundreds of millions. Why do we always get second best???

[Scraperfan]

Can someone please explain the difference in uses for this venue and the concert hall?

They seem one and the same thing to me...

[Ipggi]

A concert hall is for musical performances. A theater is for stage productions. You know acting etc. I mean they don't do broadway stage acts in the Opera House.

[Scraperfan]

Ah ok, I thought so, ive only seen a few comedy acts at the concert hall, not musical productions so i wasnt sure if the concert hall was also suitable for theatrical productions.

[planner-stu]

Size is one important difference between the concert hall (1200 seats) and this theatre (550 seats).

Here is an abbreviated version of the design brief.

"As in all highly visible and prestigious projects, the building will be under intense scrutiny by supporters and critics from the Government and general public, in particular from the arts community and the national design fraternity. The design challenge will be to balance budget and time constraints against industry demands for a functionally superior facility and public expectations of an architecturally dramatic addition to central Perth....

The site also includes a number of historically significant structures whose preservation in situ, although desirable, may be impractical. At a minimum, the street facades and one structural bay of historic commercial buildings lining part of the site must be retained, imposing a specific challenge to the relationship between old and new in the major frontage of the new building.

Finally, the new facility is expected to set a high standard of environmentally responsible design, responding appropriately to Perth's harsh summer heat and stormy winters."

The government had committed $42 million to this from the outset... I think this puts the entire development into context. It is going to be a small venue. One that serves a particular purpose - to replace the Playhouse Theatre which will close in 2008.

Say what you will about the final design (I personally think that while it is an understated design, it has elegance, reacting well to the design brief and complementing the adjoining heritage buildings) it is ridiculous to say things like Melbourne would have spent hundreds of millions on it.

[Scraperfan]

Thanks for pointing out the size difference Stu.

"...and public expectations of an architecturally dramatic addition to central Perth."

This is exactly why it fails. Im sure if this was the only design put forward it wouldnt be too bad, the problem is that we have had much more dramatic designs put forward that were not chosen. It is understated architecturally and that is the problem I have.

Bold is beautiful. Understated will be underrated.

The fly tower could possibly be a good thing, coupled with the new emerald clock and its red sky laser on other side of horseshoe bridge and the neon lit stadium, the area should be quite bright at night...

[planner-stu]

I think you're missing the point... its a balancing act, not all about boldness of design. You have to have a more holistic view of the development in terms of all the design criteria. The fact that you do not find the chosen design attractive is of little interest to me... architecturally dramatic is very much open to interpretation and i think the architects of the winning design, as i am now, would argue that it is architecturally dramatic. Elegance and sophistication are not to be underestimated; indeed not everything needs to be smothered in bright colours and neons.

[RocStar]

A panel of so called expects chose the convention centre design too, yep picked a real winner in that one! :)

If the Bubble design made it to the top 5, it must have met most of the design criteria yes? I’m sure modifications, like the winning design would have been made.

If you talk about sophistication, well unlike the winning design the “Bubble” has Iconic status and the actual complex is an experience in itself. Lets look at its interior, in comparison...
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43e.jpg http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/44h.jpg
I don’t know about you, but I know which staircase I would rather climb.

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43d.jpg
http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/44g.jpghttp://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/44b.jpg
Imagine been seated, able to gaze into the sky day or night rather than been surrounded by 4 walls.


With the exterior, well somehow elegance and Northbridge don’t seem to go hand in hand (which isn’t a bad thing) Smothered in bright colours and neon’s, well that’s Northbridge.

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43k.jpg
And this certainly does look like the arse end of the complex.

The question is what is the government trying to achieve here? Are they trying to add some class to Northbridge? I say this design fits more into the Cultural Centre side of things rather than the fun entertainment side of NB? But lets remember, it’s replacing the Play House theatre, not some stuck up opera house.

The design chosen is better suited as a refurbishment for the existing concert hall.

:2cents:
:cheers1:

[Scribbler]

I'm with planner-stu. $70 million ($70 MILLION!!!) sounds like an awful lot of money to spend on a 550 seat theatre. I would say be happy you got something as exciting as it is!

[RocStar]

Well I’m sure the proposals put forward kept within budget.

[planner-stu]

And you're basing that assumption on...?

[RocStar]

Common sense? Are you saying budget was not part of the criteria? If not, every man and his dog knew of the initial $45mil the government had announced for this project before it went out.

[planner-stu]

And i'm saying that if you are familiar with the tender process or with design competitions, there are commonly substantial cost variations. Many of those submissions may have been well over the gov't expenditure criteria. It was part of the panel's job to identify whether that was the case and whether an increase in expenditure could be justified. Architects don't tend to like being bound by cost estimates rocstar, and i'm not saying that i know for sure, but i have an inkling that the kpf (bubble) design would be considerably more costly to construct than the kerry hill design.

[RocStar]

Well if I was in the tender process, I know I would have done my homework first:)

[Scraperfan]

Now I truly can picture it - the bubble idea is amazing...

I dont care for any more argument on this - the bubble would have been so great and the panel must have rocks in their head. If only they had Rocs(tar) in their head instead! Thanks for the comparison dude, hopefully it can come up in another project.

[Dilaz89]

Wow glad some of us have high standards. The bubble one was great and i also loved that big "centre stage" one with all the lights.

[chrisaus]

site works are getting underway soon

[Scraperfan]

Shouldnt this thread be renamed with Centre Stage somewhere in the title?

ie Centre Stage Northbridge Theatre

That still is the official name right?

[chrisaus]

that was just the name of the design competetion

[RocStar]

Well so much for this starting by the end of the year. Maybe they finally came to their senses and realised they chose the wrong design.. Yeah, I know, I'm repeating myself but, I still cringe at what could have been.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/2765/thrkw1.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4517/threjw6.jpg

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1707/threaei6.jpg

Once your seated in the chosen design, you could be in any theatre in Perth or any other theatre anywhere for that matter.

If I was a performer, I would absolute love to play in such a theatre as the one above. It would be truly memorable. The word would spread.

Imagine a world wide telecast from that venue with the Perth skyline as the backdrop. The government can even sponsor an international event to be beamed around the globe. Would help put Perth on the cultural world map it desperately needs.

[Blindfold]

Well so much for this starting by the end of the year. Maybe they finally came to their senses and realised they chose the wrong design.

They have started to cordon off the site by the looks of things ie fencing between PICA and the Blue Room Theatre (unless this is for another purpose). Also the Wilson carpark which occupies the bulk of the theatre site is now closed.

[Bullswool]

that design is brilliant. Are they not using that one?

[RocStar]

ah ok... I drove past the other day and nothing jumped out to indicate it was about to start.

[RocStar]

that design is brilliant. Are they not using that one?

..offcourse not

[Scraperfan]

Im totally with you on that design Roc.

I get tingles looking at it what a spectacular venue it would have been, just awe inspiring. Looking out at the night skyline from inside the venue.

...and we get the crappiest design of the lot and I mean the crappiest. Its like they deliberately picked the worst one.

[planner-stu]

you guys just never stop whinging... they assemble a highly regarded panel of judges, hold an international design competition and choose a brilliant design... and you can't get off their backs because they didn't choose the one you liked? GET OVER IT ALREADY!!!

[Scraperfan]

The fact that 90% of this forum isnt happy should tell you something.

When a project turns out to be brilliant, this forum rejoices. When it is crap, we whinge. I think the opinions of the guys here are not as informed as those in the trained professions but a lot better than the general public.

General thought on this forum is very indicative to any project and the overwhelming opinion here is that the chosen design wasnt the best.

I just dont think it was a brilliant design Stu, sorry mate.

I would love to know your thoughts on the Convention Centre, chosen again by government panels and important people yet a huge architectural failure.

[Dilaz89]

I think they picked thw wrong one. Panel of judges pssssh. The government would have told them what to pick to fit in with thier budget.

[RocStar]

The only thing going for the winning design is its Roe St facade. The rest is a lemon in comparison. I’m sorry, but it just doesn’t offer anything new and exciting beyond the norm.

[planner-stu]

The fact that 90% of this forum isnt happy should tell you something.

When a project turns out to be brilliant, this forum rejoices. When it is crap, we whinge. I think the opinions of the guys here are not as informed as those in the trained professions but a lot better than the general public.

General thought on this forum is very indicative to any project and the overwhelming opinion here is that the chosen design wasnt the best.

I just dont think it was a brilliant design Stu, sorry mate.

I would love to know your thoughts on the Convention Centre, chosen again by government panels and important people yet a huge architectural failure.

The convention centre is a completely different kettle of fish. Whilst I don't have any major problems with the general aesthetics of the structure (ie, I see some merit in its general appearance, particularly when you compare it to venues of a similar nature elsewhere), the design failed to address a number of critical elements. Failing to actively front the foreshore being chief among them. Remember that the design for the convention centre was finalised before the state government appointed a government architect, namely Geoffrey London.

Geoffrey London was appointed with a specific mandate to improve the design quality of public buildings and spaces in Perth. I won't go into his achievements or qualifications, you can look into those yourself, but it is my opinion that the State Government did a very good thing by appointing him. He is vehemently behind the design for the old Treasury building extension and, interestingly, he also chaired the international panel of judges for Centrestage, the design competition for the new Northbridge theatre.

Now as I have said before on this very thread, it is best not to make assumptions about the criteria, or the emphasis placed on individual elements of said criteria, that a panel of judges need to assess with regards to each design. Architectural excellence within reason is the key. Yes, the panel had a State Government specified budget to work to which, I might add, has been substantially increased since the initial treasury announcement. I can only speculate, but it seems to me that the KPF design may have been financially prohibitive. Additionally, the assessment criteria referred specifically to the scale of the built form in relation to adjoining heritage buildings, something which the KPF design simply does not sufficiently address. I would also argue that, depsite the scale of the KPF design, it generally fails to integrate well with the adjoining heritage buildings. Perhaps most importantly, the KPF design fails to sufficiently activate the Roe/William St corner, whereas the Kerry Hill design succeeds.

Now you may love the KPF egg, but the panel can not judge it on that design element alone. Its the whole package! The panel made the right decision in my opinion.

[mike_london]

in addition to what planner_stu has said i cant imagine the egg design (as interesting a landmark as i may have been) was particularly environmentally friendly. can you imagine the air conditioning costs for a building that, from appearances, is essentially an over sized greenhouse. heating in winter would have also been a problem.
entirely glass theatres, concert halls and the like are also not very helpful when putting on an actual performance. theatre lighting would be significantly affected and outside events would detract from events on stage.

[planner-stu]

in addition to what planner_stu has said i cant imagine the egg design (as interesting a landmark as i may have been) was particularly environmentally friendly. can you imagine the air conditioning costs for a building that, from appearances, is essentially an over sized greenhouse. heating in winter would have also been a problem.
entirely glass theatres, concert halls and the like are also not very helpful when putting on an actual performance. theatre lighting would be significantly affected and outside events would detract from events on stage.

Could not agree more... environmental sustainability was a required design element.

[Johnvb]

I actually really like the chosen design. It fits in nicely but still adds a little more to the area architecturally. Can you imagine what the big light wall will look like? Should be like a beacon shining in northbridge from the new horse shoe plaza retail area, espec when perth arena and n b link is completed i think its brilliant.

We should just be thankful that a design has been chosen, committed to and they are starting building something in this city other than a white box

[Ari Gold]

The Winning Design for Me doesnt Suit the whole Northbrigde Area. Northbridge is flamboyant, Jubiant and a Place to Celebrate. Northbridge is not historical or a place of great tradition. The winning design IMO represents it and is outta place.

However in saying this, I believe that once it is actually built (when ever the hell that is?) and the Horse-shoe build and surrounding area developments... The Building will look great and eventually blend it.
:cheers:

[Citystyle]

http://www.centrestagedesigncomp.dca.wa.gov.au/exhibition/images/entries/43a.jpg

Trendy is the word that would we have sought for it, I could live in an apartment in the Core. Listen to Charlotte Gainsbourg while I talk to friends of superior class.

And yes Northbridge will begin to be (trendy) in image, not the one of a run down entertainment district with street fights involving chop sticks and meat balls.

[Ipggi]

Yes we call pull NB out of the mid-1990s. lol

[Scraperfan]

I appreciate your comments Stu, perhaps budget was a factor that I had not considered to enough of a degree.

The light tower will be something to see... still very boxy, I would have expected this in 1970 as it is very similar to the concert hall.

[RocStar]

Can't hardly wait

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/1876/sameoldboringtheatreew1.jpg
:banana:

[city_thing]

I talked to the architect who was working on this project (don't ask how I met him) and when I gave him the URL for this thread he was quite pissed off with everyone's comments. Melbourne's new theatre is really cool, wish we could swap.

[Johnvb]

I talked to the architect who was working on this project (don't ask how I met him) and when I gave him the URL for this thread he was quite pissed off with everyone's comments. Melbourne's new theatre is really cool, wish we could swap.

Well i really like it!

[mike_london]

Northbridge is not historical or a place of great tradition

not an area of great tradition or history?

i have to disagree with that one. northbridge is one of the most historically significant places in perth. at the risk of sounding wanky, i think its one of the few places in perth where our history continues to live on. think of the generations of migrants that made northbridge home. starting with mediterranean europeans, then chinese (think of the chung wah association) and now vietnamese. these groups are still vibrantly represented in the every day life of the area.
on top of that it contains some great heritage buildings and structures. wa museum, art gallery, horseshoe bridge, brass monkey pub, that clock tower thingy, etc

[RocStar]

I talked to the architect who was working on this project (don't ask how I met him) and when I gave him the URL for this thread he was quite pissed off with everyone's comments. Melbourne's new theatre is really cool, wish we could swap.

Well he must really luv me then lol. Anyhow I said my piece.


Here is a pic of Melbourne's new Theatre.
http://www.a-r-m.com.au/images/projects/38/photos/final%20mrc_mtp%20elevation.jpg
The recital centre looks a bit like the Perth Arena carpark.
http://img490.imageshack.us/img490/6716/carax7.jpg

[Ipggi]

The recital centre looks a bit like the Perth Arena carpark.

Same architect firm

[perthgazer]

there is some heavy equipment on the site currently, looks like theyre about to do some clearing, demolishing.
this precint, with raine square, new police station, theatre, and sinking of rail line should hopefully become a lively part of the city

[Auxodium]

i wish there was a train station at the stadium site actually...

[Bullswool]

we have had this argument before lol. The bloody main train station is 100m down the road or whatever. If you cannot be bothered walking that far, you ought to be slapped. What the hell is the point in having a train run 100m down the road? Spend 5mins loading it up then 1 min travel. BLOODY HELL, JUST WALK!

[Bonga]

I think he's talking about the Perth Arena stadium, not the Northbridge Theatre.

[Bullswool]

lol sorry, didn't realise that. Still northbridge isn't exactly a huge hike either.

[Auxodium]

lol sorry, didn't realise that. Still northbridge isn't exactly a huge hike either.

Try telling that to someone in a wheel chair or a disability? i thik a McIver style station would be great for the surrounding developments and give Northbridge a dedicated station for people to get into the precinct and enjoy themselves.

[Johnvb]

Nup i think having heaps of stops on train lines annoys me sooo much!

CAT CAT CAT, much better solution

[Bullswool]

^^yeah the CAT bus would be the best option. Trains should have spaced stations, they are there for fast journeys, not stations every hundred metres :bash:

[Citystyle]

A guy in awheel chair ran me over at McIver station.

:rant: :tongue: :no: Did not even say sorry. Meh least i can Walk crazy mofo.

[Ari Gold]

A guy in awheel chair ran me over at McIver station.

:rant: :tongue: :no: Did not even say sorry. Meh least i can Walk crazy mofo.

He probable couldnt See ya Mate. But hey if ya walking then i guess its a little easier to get over it.

[Citystyle]

He probable couldnt See ya Mate. But hey if ya walking then i guess its a little easier to get over it.

Rolf it was on the train he was heading straight for me, I was against a wall I did not see him coming as I was looking out the shut door, I got crunched major. He was boosting it, I guess? Wheeled away without a word.

[Dilaz89]

as good as u/c-
http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/8972/img2861om2.jpg

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/6646/img2862bs1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Blindfold]

I can see this site from my desk and it seems every time I look out the window more has been demolished. Its taken no time to flatten this site.

[Dilaz89]

demolition doesn't take long. Its the cleanup thats the bitch. Still, its a tiny demolition so shouldn't be long at all.

What floor of albert facey are u on? Its pretty squat so id imagine views would be limited.

[Blindfold]

I'm not that high up but I love my view - but not half as good as my view in London. My office was on the Thames at Vauxhall Bridge and I faced north overlooking Westminster and could see The City. Although I was only on the 9th floor (of 12) the building had unobstructed views. How I wish i'd taken some photos....

[Johnvb]

Ahh thats a great area of london....

this was london a few days ago, memories?

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/7940/3341la1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Blindfold]

^^^ Aah Ken's 'Glass Testicle'. I was fortunate enough to sit in on part of the public consultation for the GLA's 'London Plan' in the main chamber and its quite stunning - especially the view out over the Thames to The City.

Now, before I get completely carried away, back to Northbridge. Has anyone noticed that some shopfronts and a neglected arcade on the other side of William St are undergoing a refurb? Sorry if this is mentioned elsewhere.

[Dilaz89]

That site was recently sold. I havn't seen a DA for an upgrade.

[Blindfold]

That site was recently sold. I havn't seen a DA for an upgrade.

Its nothing drastic but looks pleasant enough - lots of timber or 'timber effect'. The arcade is strange one coz it just leads to that smallish carpark on Roe St and behind Connections. I think they are advertising some of the refurbed space as suitable for offices. Its been mostly empty since as long as I can recall.

[Ari Gold]

^^ Yeah i was there on Sunday and boy have they jacked up there parking prices. 6 Bucks minimum for an Hour. WTF!!!!!!!!!!! :down:

From what i saw, that arcade was closed and didnt look much was happening.

[Johnvb]

^^ Yeah i was there on Sunday and boy have they jacked up there parking prices. 6 Bucks minimum for an Hour. WTF!!!!!!!!!!! :down:


Haha when you compare it (prolly £2) to what £7 an hour paid yesterday it seems very palatable!

[samboy]

Is it just me but pics of London always look gloomy and depressing. Compare that to the one from perth on top of the page which looks bright and sunny. Perth might be underdeveloped and not even close to London in many aspects but at least it deosn't make you want to jump off a building. I have lived in London for a very short period of time but it just doesn't do it for me. Perhaps not getting enough vitamins from the sun.

[Bullswool]

^^ Yeah i was there on Sunday and boy have they jacked up there parking prices. 6 Bucks minimum for an Hour. WTF!!!!!!!!!!! :down:

From what i saw, that arcade was closed and didnt look much was happening.

Public Transport!

[Ipggi]

Public Transport!

On a Sunday it's often alot quicker and easier just to drive. Specially if you have to catch multiple buses.

[chrisaus]

the train are every 15 mins on sunday, pretty much the same as they are on weekdays bar the joondalup line and thornlie spur.
and $6???? rip of, you dont even pay 1/2 than in most carparks on a weekday, and anyway there is heaps of free weekend parking in the city, the metres in east perth only operate mon-sat moring, free all sunday, if people dont want to take public transport, then a short walk will mean they can have free parking.
on the parking issue public transport is the way to go now, the city carparks are all full on weekdays, ones that used to be 10% full are now like 95-100% full, i tried about 7 carparks to get a spot last time, something u didnt have to do a year ago

[Ipggi]

Maybe because you tried during the lead up to xmas? :P

[Dilaz89]

Nah, its been like that for ages now. I wait up to 10 mins to get a spot in Pier st which used to be dead.

[Ari Gold]

Public Transport!

Yeah its a Sunday Arvo Mate and your pretty much stuffed getting there not to mention getting home at 9 odd. Im in Morley and the only way is by Bus. And it was a family occasion thing as well, so dads not too keen jumping on a Bus.

But yeah i totally agree with ya. PT is the way to go when you trek it out to the City. Firstly you que up for x amount of hours looking for a bay and then the Prices. Defo Not Cool. :down:

[chrisaus]

Work under way on Perth’s new performing arts venue


14/12/06

Construction has started on the site of Perth’s new state-of-the-art performing arts venue in Northbridge.

Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale today officially welcomed those involved in the venue’s conception and development to an event to celebrate the start of works.

“It is very exciting to see that the vision of this new venue is quickly becoming a reality,” Ms McHale said.

“Western Australians will soon have a purpose-built, contemporary theatre which is first-class in every sense.

“So far, there has been an outstanding contribution by more than 70 specialists who have been involved in the building’s design.

“While design development has been a major focus of the past 12 months, there has also been a lot of energy directed into the vision and management of the venue.”

The new performing arts venue will be built on the corner of Roe and William Streets in Northbridge and be open by late 2008.

It will stage theatre and dance performances and will include a 575-seat main theatre, 200-seat studio theatre and associated rehearsal and production spaces.

The Minister said she was pleased to confirm that Black Swan Theatre Company would become the resident company and Perth Theatre Company would be given associate status.

“The Black Swan Theatre company is developing into the flagship theatre company for WA,” she said.

“We will see great synergy between the leading company and this exciting new venue in Perth.

“The venue will also give other companies, groups and independent performing artists the chance to present contemporary works in the new theatre and the new studio.”

The venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust, as are other Government-run performing arts venues.

Minister's office - 9213 6900

[perthgazer]

Todays West quoted the price for the theatre as $66m, wasnt it $42m?
either the west has fucked up as per usual or there has been a huge cost blowout?

[Ari Gold]

Somehow i have grave doubts that this will be finished by the end of 08 under Budget. When they start, it will be 1 and a Half years.... Hmmmm... :hm:

[RocStar]

$66mil was announced in the last state budget for this project. It was originally announced at $42mil.

[Ari Gold]

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/5117/image0047so2.jpg (http://img95.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image0047so2.jpg)

Latest Developments

[dallastexjr]

If anyone is interested as to why the Perth Concert Hall was not located arount the Northbridge Arts Precinct as originally conceived, this somewhat long but interesting document provides all the answers.

http://register.heritage.wa.gov.au/PDF_Files/P-Q%20-%20A-D/Perth%20Concert%20Hall%20(I-AD).PDF

Other items of interest from the article are:

* Initial plans to build a circular theatre behind Council House (the original model is on display in the lobby of Council House even now)
* The reason the carpark is in concrete, not steel
* What had begun to be built on that spot before it went broke, after foundations had been laid
*Other examples (local and international) of the 20th Century Stripped Classical style

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/4779/perthconcerthallhy6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)