Aboriginal Cultural Centre Project Definition Plan
Aboriginal Cultural Centre Project Definition Plan
Client
Department of Finance WA
Location
Perth WA
Architect
Hassell Studio
Project Budget
$104 million
Traditional Custodians
Whadjuk Noongar
The Aboriginal Cultural Centre stands as a central place of significance, celebrating the rich tapestry of Aboriginal cultures across Western Australia. This transformative project is being developed in close collaboration with Aboriginal communities and leaders. An initiative of the Western Australian Government, the Centre empowers Aboriginal people to share their histories, cultures, and stories. It will function as a major cultural and tourist destination, celebrating and sharing Indigenous culture while generating tangible economic and social benefits for Aboriginal communities.
Embracing this opportunity to deliver cultural and social infrastructure, the Project Definition Plan delivered the framework, final spatial and functional elements to advance design. Supporting commercial independence and sustainability, Maytrix scoped destination dining, event and performance spaces, embedding flexibility and scale across the Centre and landscaped precinct. The comprehensive functional design brief leverages hospitality services to foster engagement, support program delivery, and deliver sustainable economic benefits.
Envisioned as a landmark of national and international significance, the Centre serves as a cultural and civic anchor—honouring over 65,000 years of continuous living culture while advancing truth-telling, healing and reconciliation. To establish a lasting civic presence on Whadjuk Noongar land in Perth’s cultural precinct, the Centre integrates spaces for art, performance, education, research and community activities. Beyond its cultural mission, the Centre delivers broad impact—stimulating tourism, creating jobs and supporting Aboriginal-owned enterprises through food, retail and programming.
“The centre will provide spaces for art, performance, education, research, community and commercial activities and will become a significant tourism drawcard, inspiring visitors to explore all regions of the State to experience first-hand the unique Aboriginal cultural offerings available on Country.”
Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Image - Hassell
Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Image - Department of Finance WA
Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Image - Department of Finance WA
Jointly funded by State and Commonwealth Governments, the Centre fosters enduring connections between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians, supporting community wellbeing, education and cultural understanding. Aboriginal led in design and operation, it reflects statewide consultation and the diverse voices and priorities of Aboriginal communities. As the hub in a wider Indigenous network, it strengthens skills development and projects local stories to national and international audiences.
Balancing cultural authority and public accessibility, the Cultural Centre establishes a permanent and visible presence for Aboriginal cultures at the heart of Perth fostering connection and learning enriching understanding of our rich cultural heritage. It brings together story, Country and community in a shared civic space—supporting connection, learning and self-determination. Our project approach draws on our expertise in cultural heritage and extensive experience in strategy, retail and F&B design and operations across major cultural, civic and public domain projects—supporting places that embed identity, deliver long-term public value and enable enduring community benefit.
