Brookfield Multiplex awarded $428m WA Museum contract

Brookfield Multiplex, with its international and Australian architecture team of OMA and HASSELL, has been awarded the contract to design and construct the Western Australia Museum. 

Unveiling the design last week, WA Premier Colin Barnett said it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a new cultural home in the heart of Perth. 

The museum will be almost four times bigger than the old museum, and feature nearly 7,000 square metres of galleries, including a single 1,000sqm space to stage blockbuster exhibitions. There will also be education studios, viewing areas to see scientists and curators at work, and retail, food and beverage outlets.

The construction company was named as the preferred respondents for the project in early April of this year.

Brookfield Mutiplex architects were praised for turning the museum concept inside out, starting with broad entry ways, expansive views and a golden band running around the exterior that will make a "refreshing complement to the old museum's combination of barred windows, bricked-in arches and high fences." 

"The concept cannot fail to impress. It is bold and distinctive, from the vast public plaza to spacious galleries that overlook the CBD and link with important heritage buildings" said Mr Barnett. 

Video courtesy of the WA Museum

Premier Barnett also promised local industry participation for the New Museum. 

"The project will support up to 3,300 jobs, with about 1,800 workers to be employed on-site during the construction phase," he said.

"Local content is a high priority, with the Managing Contractor expecting to source about 80 per cent of the goods and services from WA."

The $428.3 million project includes:

• the design and construction of a new building that integrates with the existing heritage buildings
• heritage restoration works to Old Gaol, Jubilee, Beaufort and Hackett buildings
• $1.6 million public art project at the New Museum Perth site
• the design, production and installation of Museum content including collections, exhibitions, multimedia and artworks for gallery and activated circulation spaces
• $17.3 million Harry Butler Research Centre at the Museum’s Collections and Research Centre, Welshpool  

Chris Palandri, Regional Managing Director for Brookfield Multiplex, thanked Premier Barnett and the Western Australian Government for entrusting the contractor with the significant project for the Western Australian community. 

“We’re excited to bring together the international experience of Brookfield Multiplex, HASSELL + OMA to deliver a world-class museum for Western Australia,” said Mr Palandri.

Early site works will commence in the next few months, with construction estimated to start in early 2017. The New Museum expects to open doors in 2020.