Refurbishment designs unveiled for heritage Brutalist building

The State Government of Western Australia has unveiled the design for the renovation of Perth Concert Hall – a heritage-listed building of great cultural significance. Tenderstream member OMA’s Australian office and Perth-based WITH Architecture Studio are creating a new home for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO), in a renovation that will also provide new public spaces, upgraded food and beverage offerings, and improved seating within the auditorium to achieve better sightlines.

Completed in January 1973, the hall was originally designed by Australian architects Jeffrey Howlett and Don Bailey as a prime example of Brutalist mid-century classical architecture. OMA Australia Director Paul Jones said: “The Perth Concert Hall – in both its architecture and the performances it hosts – has much cultural significance for Perth. Our design will preserve the hall’s architectural integrity and world-class acoustics, while introducing new public spaces that tie the hall closer with the community.”

Direct access will be introduced to the level two lobby from the north and south, while the original northern plaza will be transformed into a landscaped public forecourt. A “red carpet” - made from recycled brick paving and referencing the hall’s  carpet in the foyer - will lead patrons and visitors inside. The lobby will accommodate upgraded food and beverage offerings, with the southern section extended into a terrace overlooking the river. The original level one and level two lobbies will be refurbished, including the preservation of the distinctive red carpet, while the level one lobby will be transformed into a generous foyer serving as a musicians’ lounge and patron event space. 

WASO will hold their final concerts at the hall in December 2024, with construction beginning in early 2025 and the venue expected to reopen in early 2028. Western Australian Minister for Culture and the Arts David Templeman stated: "The Perth Concert Hall has been the home of orchestral music for 50 years, and this much needed rejuvenation will extend the life of this beloved venue, allowing many more generations to enjoy its world-class acoustics."

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 03.09.2021 here

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