One of Perth’s most iconic cultural landmarks is getting a long-awaited makeover, with construction officially underway on a $150.3 million revitalisation of the heritage-listed Perth Concert Hall.
The transformation, led by Australian firm ADCO Constructions, marks the beginning of a new era for the much-loved venue. Originally opened in 1973, the Perth Concert Hall was the first major concert venue built in Australia after World War II and has since become the beating heart of classical music in Western Australia. The upcoming redevelopment will not only preserve its renowned acoustic quality but will also future-proof it as a world-class performance and cultural venue.
The project includes a major redesign of the building’s entry forecourt to create a more welcoming and connected public space, while internal upgrades will feature new bar and event spaces, refurbished seating, upgraded lighting, and modernised backstage amenities. For the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO), the return to Perth Concert Hall in 2028 will be a homecoming decades in the making, with purpose-built office, rehearsal, and performance spaces designed to give the orchestra a permanent and inspiring base once again.
WA Premier Roger Cook called the redevelopment a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future of one of Perth’s most treasured buildings.
“I’m extremely proud that we are securing the future of this iconic Perth building which has been a significant part of the fabric of Perth’s cultural community and the home of music in WA for 50 years,” said Premier Cook.
The refurbishment is being jointly funded by the State Government ($134.3 million), the Commonwealth Government ($12 million), and the City of Perth ($4 million). The project is a key part of the Perth City Deal and Western Australia’s broader economic diversification strategy, which aims to strengthen the state’s creative industries and boost cultural tourism.
Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman said the redevelopment would “help capitalise on the city’s historical and cultural strengths,” and bring renewed energy to the eastern end of the CBD.
A storied past, a new beginning
Over the decades, Perth Concert Hall has hosted some of the biggest names in music, both international and local. It was here that the legendary Ella Fitzgerald performed in 1970s, captivating the audience with her once-in-a-lifetime voice. It has also seen performances from the London Symphony Orchestra, and greats like B.B King and Ray Charles.
The Hall has also played host to countless memorable moments for the WASO, including Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 — the “Symphony of a Thousand” — which packed the stage with hundreds of musicians and singers, pushing the venue to its acoustic and spatial limits in a breathtaking display.
Its striking brutalist architecture and almost peerless acoustics have made the Concert Hall a standout on the national stage and a source of civic pride for generations of Perth residents. Yet, in recent years, ageing infrastructure and limited accessibility features have hindered its full potential.
That’s set to change.
A home for the future of music in WA
When it reopens in 2028, the Perth Concert Hall will once again be a true home for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra — an anchor for live music in the city and a beacon for WA’s emerging creative talent.
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said the refurbishment is more than a facelift; it’s a foundational investment in the state’s cultural life. “It is exciting that work has begun to revitalise this important historic venue. These refurbishments will benefit artists, audiences and the community for decades to come,” she said.
