Perth Zoo Cafe & Function Centre Precinct Business Case & Design
Perth Zoo Cafe & Function Centre Precinct Business Case & Design
Client
Department of Biodiversity Conservation
Location
Perth WA
Architect
Hassell Studio
Budget
$231 million
Traditional Custodians
Whadjuk Noongar
The launch of the $51 million Perth Zoo Café and Function Centre Precinct delivers the first project in the ambitious $231 million Perth Zoo Master Plan 2040. The strategic relocation and consolidation of commercial and visitor facilities, scoped through a comprehensive feasibility and business case, transforms visitor experience, diversifies engagement, and positions the zoo for long-term sustainability, delivering a vibrant central hub and focal point for visitors to experience the iconic zoo.
In a staged engagement, Maytrix delivered a comprehensive feasibility study, forecasting commercial opportunity and assessing site options, to define the strategic and commercial benefits of the new centralised café and function precinct. Adopted as a strategic cornerstone in the Perth Zoo Master Plan 2040, Maytrix supported the Hassell-led business case to fund the development of the new precinct.
Delivering the detailed functional design brief for the comprehensive café, function and events facilities, Maytrix detailed functional relationships and fitout for flexible function, event and education spaces, scoped for flexible programming and scaled for success. Informed through analysis and market sounding, function spaces address key gaps in the venues market to position the zoo for long-term sustainability. Anchored by the relocated heritage carousel, the design brief scopes three distinct co-located visitor venues: Habitat, Wagtails and Distil and Brew to differentiate experience and scale operations.
“For many decades, Perth Zoo has provided Western Australians with wonderful memories. The opening of these impressive new café, playground and function facilities will improve visitors’ experience of the Zoo and ensure it continues to be a place for the community to connect. ”
Launched to coincide with Perth Zoo's monumental 125th birthday, the new precinct supports Perth Zoo’s vision for a connected and sustainable zoo and elevated visitor experience. The Perth Zoo Café and Function Centre Precinct delivers an activated destination, increases dwell time and enhances the offering and experience to transform visitor experience, diversify engagement, and increase revenue streams.
The new visitor precinct enhances conservation outcomes and enriches visitor experience. Our approach to scoping and design for the new Perth Zoo Café & Function Centre Precinct is informed by comprehensive experience across the zoo sector in Australia and New Zealand, and specialist expertise in feasibility and business case development, commercial strategy, and design of multi-site café, function and events. As the first major Master Plan delivery, the new precinct establishes momentum and delivers new revenue streams supporting Perth Zoo's transformation as one of the "best inner-city zoos in the world".
Perth Zoo Cafe & Function Centre Precinct
Image - Department of Biodiversity Conservation & Attractions (WA) Hassell Studios
“The official launch [of the new café, playground and function facilities] ahead of Perth Zoo’s 125th birthday is an important milestone for the Perth Zoo Master Plan, bringing the first suite of projects to life. Under the Master Plan, which has been supported by a $51 million investment from the Cook Government, our iconic Zoo will be able to modernise and deliver even better experiences for visitors, while ensuring stronger conservation outcomes for threatened species”
Awards
— 2024 Department of Finance Supplier Performance Awards – Best Project
— 2024 Australian Steel Institute (WA) Excellence Awards – High Commendation (Large Projects category)
Perth Zoo Cafe & Function Centre Precinct
Image - Department of Biodiversity Conservation & Attractions (WA) Hassell Studios
Perth Zoo Cafe & Function Centre Precinct
Image - Department of Biodiversity Conservation & Attractions (WA) Hassell Studios
Perth Zoo Cafe & Function Centre Precinct
Image - Department of Biodiversity Conservation & Attractions (WA) Hassell Studios
