- Initial designs for Perth's new ECU City campus have been released
- The project is intended to revitalise Perth CBD
- Completion expected in 2025
With the initial designs released for Edith Cowan University (ECU)’s new city campus, we can take a closer look at what Perth’s city centre will look like in four years time.
The new campus in the heart of Perth will be located directly across from Yagan Square.
The campus, dubbed ECU City, will feature performance spaces, studios and digital labs across its 11 levels.
The campus will offer a diverse range of courses from creative industries to business and technology studies.
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), a well-renowned branch of ECU, will utilise the five public performance venues.
Imagine having WAAPA students roaming the city centre, being able to perform sets, sketches and music, as and when. This could add a certain something to the city.
When complete, the campus is predicted to be one of the most sustainable university campuses in Australia with a Five Star Green Rating.
Sustainable features of the building include an intelligent façade design and sun shading as well as adaptive and energy efficient climate control with natural ventilation.
The project will be jointly funded with ECU contributing $300 million, the federal government dedicating $245 million, and the state government providing $150 million.
The $695 million ECU design will see more than 9,000 staff and students use the premises by 2025.
The university project is said to be the centrepiece of the Perth City Deal between the federal and state government to revitalise the city centre.
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan believes ECU City will attract investment and boost business in the CBD.
“This job-creating project is part of the extensive investment my government is making in infrastructure and transport for the future,” he said.
“This is part of a once-in-a-lifetime transformation of our city centre, and will grow Perth’s reputation as an innovative and vibrant city.”
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan
“This project will create local jobs, activate Perth and deliver world-class university education in the CBD.
A predicted 3,000 construction jobs are expected to be created with 380 ongoing jobs.
ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman CBE believes the design defies traditional expectations.
“The campus will be purposefully embedded with industry and connect the commercial, cultural and entertainment precincts of Perth, and is designed to project life, energy, and opportunity into the heart of our city. Its proximity to industry is a game-changer for engagement and partnership with business,” Professor Chapman said.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to create what we see as the university of the future, and to reinforce ECU and Perth as a highly desirable centre of education, research, innovation and performance.”
Although the designs have been released, there is a way to go before construction can commence.
The development application is to be lodged with DevelopmentWA later this month.
Initial works are expected to commence before the year’s end.
