History
The journey of the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia involves many years of reports, consultations, plans and individual effort in getting a purpose-built contemporary and city based theatre for the people of Western Australia.
2003
The Department of Culture and the Arts commissions theatre consultant Graham Walne to undertake consultation about the potential structure and possible locations for a new performing arts venue. Fifty-one organisations, groups, and individuals are involved in the consultation process, which agrees the venue should primarily house drama and contemporary dance and consist of a main theatre with a capacity of 525-575 seats and a studio space with a capacity of 200 seats.
2004
A Steering Committee is established to recommend the best site for the new centre, with 11 sites initially identified. In November 2004, the Government announces the development of a new performing arts venue on the corner of Roe and William Streets in Northbridge. The task of detailing requirements for the proposed facility begins, resulting in the development of a design brief.
2005
In recognition of architecture as a critical component of the performance experience and the importance of a new venue to the future of Perth, its residents, and the arts community, the Government elects to select an architect through an international design competition. The competition attracts more than 40 designs from architects around the world, and in November 2005, award-winning Kerry Hill Architects is announced as the winning firm.
2006
Design development commences soon after Kerry Hill Architects’ appointment. More than 70 specialists, including artists, architects, specialist consultants and planners, designers, acousticians, quantity and land surveyors, theatre, program, heritage, ethnographic and archaeological consultants, as well as structural, mechanical, civil, electrical, façade, fire, environmental, and traffic engineers, are involved.
2007
Broad Construction Services commences forward works on the site in November 2007. This includes demolition, excavation, and substructure to prepare the site for the main construction. The tender for the main construction contract is awarded to John Holland Pty Ltd in October 2007, and work starts on site immediately.
2010
The venue is completed by December 2010.
2011
The Centre is officially opened by His Excellency, the Governor, Dr. Ken Michael, on 27 January. The first performance takes place in the Heath Ledger Theatre.
