State Government of Western Australia : Site readied for new museum construction start

• Tenders released for Energy Thermal Solution for Perth Cultural Centre

• $428.3 million project to support up to 3,300 jobs and strong local content

Work on preparing the site of Western Australia's $428.3 million new museum started today, as tenders for an innovative energy efficient solution for the project were released.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said managing contractor Multiplex had mobilised on the site, ahead of major construction scheduled to start in the next few months.

'This is an exciting moment for Perth and WA, with up to 3,300 jobs expected to be created during the construction phase and 80 per cent of the project's goods and services to be locally sourced,' Mr Day said.

'Multiplex has issued tenders for the supply and installation of mechanical and electrical services associated with the Energy Thermal Solution (ETS) delivered by the project.

'The ETS will combine water heat-exchange systems with provision for renewable energy sources to deliver energy cost reductions of up to 40 per cent across the entire Perth Cultural Centre.

'It will serve all major buildings including the new museum, library, art gallery and State Theatre Centre.'

The Minister said the Liberal National Government had championed the new museum in its Perth Cultural Centre location because of the project's capacity to further activate the precinct.

'The new museum is fundamental to our vision for a modern, vibrant Perth and will be a thriving destination for West Australians and visitors to our State,' he said.

'The inclusion of the ETS also promises long-term benefits for the Cultural Centre and ultimately, for taxpayers.'

The ETS is scheduled for commissioning and completion by the end of the year.

Fact File

• Architects for the new museum are HASSELL+OMA

• The new museum is on time and on budget and scheduled to open in 2020

• More than 800,000 visitors are expected to visit the new museum in its opening year

• It is predicted that by 2020-21, 1.4 million visitors will attend WA Museum locations across the State

Minister's office - 6552 6200