About the design

“Attending the theatre is a collective experience - the interaction of a diverse group of people for a cultural purpose.  The architecture of a theatre must therefore impart a clear and strong identity for the performance venue.  The building must stimulate the public imagination and become an easily recognisable destination for theatre and cultural events.”  Kerry Hill

View from the corner of Roe and William Streets, Northbridge		View of the stacked theatres
Images provide by Kerry Hill Architects

In November 2005, Kerry Hill Architects was announced as the winner of CentreStage, an international competition for the design of a new performing arts venue.

From 40 impressive designs submitted by architects from around the world an international jury, chaired by Government Architect Professor Geoffrey London, unanimously endorsed Kerry Hill Architects’ concept.

The design includes:

• the 575-seat Heath Ledger Theatre
• a 200-seat flexible studio space
• an outdoor courtyard
• spacious foyers and public amenities, including bar facilities for each performance space
• associated rehearsal rooms
• a palette of natural materials including black metal, curved timber and gilded bronze
• strong contemporary visual identities for each performance space
• state-of-the-art theatre equipment.

During the past 18 months, more than 70 specialists, including artists, architects, theatre consultants and planners; lighting designers; acousticians; quantity and land surveyors; theatre, program, heritage, ethnographic, archaeological and consultants; structural, mechanical, civil, electrical, façade, fire, environmental and traffic engineers, have all contributed to the development of the designs of the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia.

The expertise, skills and experience of these people and the Advisory Pool will ensure that the development of the designs and fit-out of the centre will be of a world-class standard and on the cutting-edge of theatre design.