New plans for a waterfront precinct in Perth’s CBD have been unveiled, including a proposal to revitalize the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC).
Established in 2004, the centre, designed by Cox Architecture, is the oldest and smallest major convention centre in Australia.
A concept proposal for the site has been lodged by the property’s joint leaseholders, Wyllie Group and Brookfield Properties. The scheme would see the existing 16,500-square-metre PCEC building expand with an additional 4,500 square metres to accommodate larger event capacity. It would also see the facility – which currently has its back turned to the Swan River – open up to face the water and stretch out above it.
Premier Roger Cook, announced on 16 January that negotiations are currently underway between the leaseholders and the state government.
“There is huge potential on our riverfront, and this proposal would deliver an iconic new precinct that opens up major tourism and hospitality opportunities for WA, helping to diversify our economy and create local jobs,” Cook said. “Our city deserves better than a shed on the river.”
The project would see the facility – which currently has its back turned to the Swan River – open up to face the water and stretch out above it. Image:
Wyllie Group and Brookfield Properties
In a communique published by the state government, it stated that the project would seek to improve connectivity to Elizabeth Quay via a pedestrian link, as well as activate the overlooked and underused riverfront with an outdoor floating theatre on the Swan River, three new jetties, and new food and beverage venues. To further animate the precinct, the establishment of a hotel, affordable residential apartments and commercial spaces have also been recommended in the proposal.
Minister for Planning, Lands and Housing, John Carey, said the site is “prime riverfront land” that has severely underutilized for far too long. “We can do much better than a box on the river,” he said.
A business case for the redevelopment will now be finalized and presented to the state government for review in mid-2024. The project design team and estimated cost of the project are yet to be disclosed.
