The start of the new year has marked the beginning of significant changes for two major Perth venues as the Perth Concert Hall is set to undergo redevelopment, and the popular sports and entertainment precincts of HBF Arena Joondalup and HBF Stadium have officially shed their HBF branding.
Redevelopment plans for the iconic Perth Concert Hall will commence in February 2025, following the venue's closure on December 21, 2024. Funded through a $150.3 million investment from the WA Government, Australian Government, and City of Perth, the project aims to restore the architectural integrity of the heritage-listed building. This historic structure, notable for being Australia’s first concert hall built after World War II, opened its doors back in 1973 and has hosted countless memorable performances.
The renovations will introduce new rehearsal and event spaces and remodel the auditorium entry to improve accessibility. Additional upgrades include updated seating, lighting, and backstage facilities, all thoughtfully planned to preserve the venue’s renowned acoustics and special features. The southern and northern forecourts will also be redesigned to create inviting approaches to the venue, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
Federal Cities Minister Jenny McAllister spoke to the significance of this redevelopment, stating, "We are working with our partners to... continue to be the premier orchestral music venue..." She emphasized how the project would benefit artists, audiences, and the local community.
Echoing this sentiment, WA Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman added, "This work is... important to preserve this beloved venue..." His comments highlight the long-standing legacy and importance of the concert hall within Perth’s cultural fabric.
Meanwhile, the northern suburbs venue, once known as HBF Arena Joondalup, has reverted to its original name, simply Arena Joondalup, effective January 1, 2024. The transformation of HBF Stadium has been less dramatic with its new name, Perth High Performance Centre or Perth HPC, reflecting its role as a training hub for elite athletes, including 2024 Olympic medalists.
The decision to drop the HBF branding from these venues arose from conversations with VenuesWest, the entity managing state sports facilities. VenuesWest’s chief executive David Etherton highlighted the decision stating, “The name Perth High Performance Centre would reflect the facility’s function...,” underscoring the importance of these venues as community sports and entertainment hubs.
Etherton expressed enthusiasm for welcoming back the proud history of Arena Joondalup, which opened its doors to the public in 1986, as it re-establishes its identity. He also noted the versatility of the venue, which has hosted numerous international music acts, including recent performances by popular artists like Ice Spice and Fisher during the Wildlands Festival.
Similarly, the transition to Perth HPC is meant to signify the facilities’ commitment to fostering the development of elite athletes. While the venues may be changing their names, patrons can rest assured, as the statement from the team behind Perth HPC assured, "... all the services you love... will continue as usual."
Despite these changes, HBF Park will continue to maintain its identity, marking the end of HBF's naming rights for the two venues and focusing their partnership efforts on the park instead. HBF's Jarod Avila stated, "This enables us to fully optimise our partnership...," indicating the organization’s strategic approach to sponsorship and branding.
The Perth Concert Hall, after its extensive refurbishment, is expected to reopen its doors to the public by early 2028. The anticipated renovations are intended not only to modernize the aging venue but also to celebrate its rich history as the home of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
These developments come as part of the broader cultural enhancement goals for Perth, aiming to create job opportunities and stimulate the local economy by boosting tourism and hospitality. The return to traditional naming signifies respect and recognition for the community heritage, ensuring both venues remain integral parts of Perth's vibrant cultural and sporting landscapes.
The future looks bright for both the revitalized Perth Concert Hall and the renamed sports venues, promising to continue their legacies as accessible spaces for both the arts and athletics for years to come.