Revamp plan for Concert Hall precinct
Perth Concert Hall is about to get a major overhaul as the WA Symphony Orchestra takes direct control of the venue.
A new era for the 42-year-old hall beckons in a wider revamp of Perth's State-run theatres from yesterday when the Government reclaimed management through its Perth Theatre Trust after 15 years under private contractor AEG Ogden.
Trust chairman Peter Blaxell said his priority was to improve vibrancy and increase audiences at the State Theatre Centre, His Majesty's Theatre, Subiaco Arts Centre and Albany Entertainment Centre.
The PTT also will lease the Concert Hall from the City of Perth and delegate daily management to the WASO, which will move its headquarters there and begin a precinct revitalisation program.
A WASO vision document proposes to enliven the forecourt on St Georges Terrace with cafes, bars, weekend markets, art installations and outdoor films.
It is expected some changes will be paid with $12 million set aside by the Government and the City of Perth for the orchestra's new home.
The document said WASO wanted to turn the Concert Hall into an exciting hub, encourage more visitors and break down perceptions the venue was for "elite" classical music only. It is understood the 1973 building also needs up to $40 million to be spent on maintenance and repairs.
WASO chairman Janet Holmes a Court and chief executive Craig Whitehead were not available for comment.
To avoid conflicts of interest as manager and main user of the hall, the WASO would establish a separate venue operating company and a programming committee to represent other producers and the PTT, Department of Culture and the Arts director-general Duncan Ord said.
He said maintenance capital works funding would be determined after more talks with the City of Perth.
The PTT also has had a win in its bid to attract more crowds to the State Theatre Centre in Northbridge after gaining a tavern restricted licence to serve alcohol to people without tickets to see a show.
Mr Blaxell said the new licence would cut some costs in staff vetting tickets and generate revenue from a cafe and restaurant without a performance.
Attracting more people was paramount, with the subsidy to the State-run theatres set at $15.1 million, he said.
"Audience-building is the main task," Mr Blaxell said. "That's the key to everything."
The PTT has taken on 64 full-time staff out of a possible 74 employed by former contractor AEG Ogden.
