The Western Australian Government recently announced a comprehensive renovation for the Perth Concert Hall, a heritage-listed landmark that has played a vital role in Perth’s cultural scene for over 50 years. Originally completed in 1973 by architects Jeffrey Howlett and Don Bailey, the concert hall is renowned for its Brutalist architecture and exceptional acoustics, which have long established it as a significant venue in Australia’s post-World War II arts landscape. With construction beginning in early 2025, the project is part of a broader initiative to revitalize Western Australia’s arts infrastructure and will be led by the Australian office of the global architecture firm OMA in partnership with Perth-based WITH Architecture Studio.
OMA Australia and WITH Architecture Studio’s design will focus on modernizing the venue to enhance its functionality and visitor experience while also preserving the iconic architectural details that characterize the building. The upgraded concert hall will continue to serve as the home of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) and aims to improve its accessibility and amenity offerings. New public spaces, improved seating arrangements, and updated facilities will make the hall more welcoming for both performers and patrons. These enhancements are expected to create a more versatile environment that accommodates diverse events and better connects the community to the arts.
The original design of Perth Concert Hall was ahead of its time with its distinctive use of off-form concrete—a material that was innovative in the 1970s. The textured surfaces and bold forms of the hall exemplify the Brutalist style, which has become an architectural hallmark of the building. OMA Australia’s approach aims to honor these elements while introducing modern interventions that align with contemporary audience expectations. The renovation plans, first introduced in 2022, emphasize both the preservation of the hall’s heritage and the transformation of its spaces into vibrant public areas.
A key aspect of the renovation will be the enhancement of visitor accessibility. Direct access to the level-two lobby, which serves as the main entry to the auditorium, will be established from the building’s north and south entrances. This adjustment will streamline entry, enhancing the visitor flow and improving access to the concert hall from surrounding areas, including St. Georges Terrace in Perth’s central business district. A new “red carpet” walkway, constructed from recycled brick paving, will lead from the northern entrance to the level-two lobby, creating a welcoming atmosphere that echoes the hall’s original red carpet interiors. On the south side, additional staircases and a new lift will connect patrons to the lobby, with the lobby’s southern extension providing a terrace with scenic views of the Swan River.
Inside, the auditorium will adopt a continental seating layout to improve sightlines and ease of access while still preserving its world-renowned acoustics. Enhanced food and beverage options will be available in the lobby, which will undergo a complete refurbishment alongside level-one spaces. The lobby on level one will be reimagined as a multifunctional area, serving as a lounge for musicians during the day and transitioning to a public gathering space during performances. Original design features such as the iconic red carpet and spiral staircase will be retained, reinforcing the hall’s historical character even as it adapts to modern needs.
The surrounding forecourts, beyond the concert hall’s interior, will transform into vibrant community spaces. Landscaped zones around the hall will offer shaded seating areas for public enjoyment, while a central plaza will create a flexible outdoor venue for various events. On the northern side, an “urban veranda” will extend from the hall, enhancing the interaction between the building and its surroundings. We aim to establish the concert hall as a more integrated part of the city’s cultural fabric, offering spaces that promote daily use by both locals and visitors.
The Western Australian Government, the Australian Government, and the City of Perth provide funding for the project. The public will be unable to access the concert hall, its forecourts, and nearby parking facilities during the projected construction period of 2025 to 2028. By the completion date, the Perth Concert Hall is expected to stand as a revitalized cultural icon, combining its original architectural appeal with modern amenities that strengthen its role as a premier arts destination.
In related international developments, Steven Holl Architects has recently started construction on the Ostrava Concert Hall in the Czech Republic, further underscoring the global focus on cultural infrastructure. In Berlin, GRAFT Architects won the bid to design the Carl Bechstein Music Campus, which is intended to become a central hub for piano music. Additionally, in Prague, the updated designs for the Vltava Philharmonic Hall by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) were revealed in May 2022, with the venue expected to open by 2032. These projects reflect a worldwide commitment to enhancing spaces for the performing arts, reinforcing their importance as cultural and community anchors across cities.
