{"id":485867,"date":"2026-02-17T14:06:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T14:06:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/485867\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T14:06:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T14:06:14","slug":"waapa-buildings-to-be-re-purposed-for-creative-industries-as-part-of-ecu-mount-lawley-redevelopment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/485867\/","title":{"rendered":"WAAPA buildings to be re-purposed for creative industries as part of ECU Mount Lawley redevelopment"},"content":{"rendered":"

A “creative industries hub”, around 1,000 homes and a new school will be built on the former Edith Cowan University (ECU) campus in Mount Lawley.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The WA government has unveiled its master plan for the redevelopment of the 18-hectare site, following ECU’s relocation to the city<\/a>, but has warned a full makeover of the precinct will take 10 to 15 years.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Around 900 to 1,100 dwellings will be built as part of the plan. (Supplied: DevelopmentWA)<\/p>\n

The “new urban village”, located on prime land about five kilometres from the CBD, would include between 900 and 1,100 dwellings, green spaces, retail businesses and “transport networks” for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) dance studios and auditorium would be retained and repurposed for a “creative industries hub”.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

The WAAPA buildings will be repurposed for a ‘Creative Industries Hub’ offering spaces for performance, production and creative businesses. (ABC News: Pip Waller)<\/p>\n

The hub will offer opportunities for performance, rehearsal and production, as well as office space for creative businesses, emerging artists and not-for-profit organisations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ms McGurk said commercial operators may be able to lease space within the buildings, but they would remain in government hands.<\/p>\n

“If you think about the dance studios, you require a sort of sprung floor, you require certain dimensions in those studios to make them fit for purpose. We’ve got all that here,” she said.<\/p>\n

\"Simone<\/p>\n

Minister for Creative Industries Simone McGurk at the unveiling of the ECU Mount Lawley master plan.\u00a0 (ABC News: Pip Waller)<\/p>\n

As many big names got their start treading the boards at WAAPA, Ms McGurk said the government was keen to continue the institution’s legacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“These facilities here at Mount Lawley WAAPA have produced some of our biggest stars; Tim Minchin and Hugh Jackman, of course, Lucy Durack.<\/p>\n

The library and administration building would also be cordoned off and repurposed for use by creative industries. \u00a0<\/p>\n

New housing<\/p>\n

Planning Minister John Carey said the new development would also help ease Perth’s housing crisis, with up to 1,100 new townhouses and apartments to be built on the site, as part of a walkable green precinct.<\/p>\n

\"People<\/p>\n

A walkable street network will prioritise pedestrian movement, cycling and public transport use. (Supplied: DevelopmentWA)<\/p>\n

Mr Carey said the housing mix would include terrace-style and higher density homes as well as social and affordable housing.<\/p>\n

He said there was potential for student accommodation to continue on the site, or for it to be adapted for permanent housing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“This is an incredible location close to the city on high transport routes,” he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“There’s a real opportunity here to create a new urban village that obviously provides critical housing, but also importantly retains some of the creative and cultural assets that we can use for a hub into the future.”<\/p>\n

\"John<\/p>\n

Planning and Lands Minister John Carey says the plan will deliver more housing in a targeted location.\u00a0 (ABC News: Pip Waller)<\/p>\n

Mr Carey said more than 15 per cent of the site would be earmarked for public open space and “green corridors”.<\/p>\n

New school<\/p>\n

The minister said the master plan also set aside land for a new primary school to cater for the inner-city population boom.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

ECU’s Mount Lawley campus, pictured, has now closed after being relocated to Yagan Square in the Perth CBD. (ABC News: Pip Waller)<\/p>\n

“Every street you walk down, there’s prams, there’s kids,” he said.<\/p>\n

“We’re facing the need for more investment in primary schools. In a sense, this is the future proofing.”<\/p>\n

Mr Carey said the first homes would be delivered in 2030, but the full makeover was expected to take between 10 and 15 years to complete.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

The footprint of the existing ECU campus in Mt Lawley. (Supplied: Nearmap)<\/p>\n

“The vision here is big. I’m really excited about this, but I do have to say this is a long term project.”<\/p>\n

He said the final master plan followed extensive community consultation on the draft plan released in 2025, with over 300 submissions received.<\/p>\n

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