52 years after opening, Perth Concert Hall's $150 million redevelopment to kick off next month

Announced in September last year, the Perth Concert Hall’s $150 million redevelopment is set to begin in February.

The venue officially closed its doors on December 21, with the connected car park also now closed to the public. The works are expected to be complete and the Perth Concert Hall to be back open by early 2028.

Known for its Brutalist style, the original venue was designed by local firm Howlett and Bailey Architects – who also designed Perth Concert Hall neighbour Council House a decade prior. The upgrades have been undertaken with Perth-based architects With Architecture Studio and global firm OMA.

Opening in 1973 and the first concert hall built in Australia following World War Two, the heritage-listed building will be transformed with the creation of new rehearsal and events spaces, updated seating, lighting and backstage facilities, as well as accessibility improvements to the auditorium’s entry.

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These upgrades have all been designed to preserve the venue’s impressive and internationally-renowned acoustics.

“This work is vital to preserve this beloved venue and is a solid investment for the future of performing arts in Perth,” said WA Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman.

“The revitalised state-of-the-art venue will be a culturally significant community asset for decades to come.”

With a new era underway, we were inspired to take a look back at the Perth Concert Hall at its inception, thanks to this stunning selection of images of its construction and opening day from the State Library of WA collection.