New ECU City Campus
Main construction works have commenced on Edith Cowan University's newest campus – and the first comprehensive university to be situated within the Perth CBD.
An official sod turning ceremony was held at the $853 million ECU City site on 20 February 2023, where WA Premier Mark McGowan stated that ECU City would transform the face of the Perth city, drawing thousands of students and staff to the city centre every day to create a thriving, vibrant CBD.
ECU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steve Chapman CBE said this is an exciting milestone for the ECU City campus, less than three years since we first announced this ambitious and transformational project.
"ECU City will be a world-class and immersive campus that enables inquiring and creative minds to flourish," said Professor Steve Chapman.
Due for completion in late 2025 and opening to students in the first semester of 2026, the 60,000 square-metre ECU City campus will feature a dynamic digital media façade, activated streetscapes and laneways and an immersive entrance that envelopes the Perth Busport.
"ECU City will be a world-class and immersive campus that enables inquiring and creative minds to flourish," said Professor Steve Chapman.
The multi-disciplinary campus will be home to ECU's renowned Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), School of Business and Law, School of Arts and Humanities with the WA Screen Academy and Broadcasting, emerging technology programs from the School of Science and Kurongkurl Katitjin – the university's Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research.
"The campus will be the launchpad for the future creators, innovators and problem solvers of tomorrow, while strengthening our University's, and Western Australia's position as a leader in higher education," said Professor Steve Chapman.
"ECU City will provide an anchor for future-focused learning, new discoveries and creative expression, while connecting our university with the community and industry in a new way."
The University is set to invigorate the Perth City Link precinct and the Perth CBD by introducing a community of more than 10,000 staff and students to integrate with industry and stimulate economic activity and patronage for surrounding businesses.
Jointly funded by the Australian Government, the Western Australian Government and ECU as part of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal, the state-of-the-art campus will see thousands of local jobs created during construction and beyond. It will deliver $7.5 billion of economic impact in the long term.
Up to 5000 jobs are expected to be created during construction, fuelling local employment and supporting nearby businesses. During the peak of the building phase up to 800 construction and support staff are anticipated to be on site, bringing hundreds more people into the CBD each day.
The project will also create new opportunities for apprentices and Aboriginal businesses and workers, with head contractor Multiplex committing to targets that will deliver more jobs for local communities. It is anticipated that business and employment targets will result in at least 3 per cent of subcontracts being awarded to registered Aboriginal businesses, and a minimum of 2.1 per cent of the workforce to be Aboriginal people. Apprenticeships will also make up at least 11.5 per cent of the site's workforce, driving significant skills boost in the construction sector.
ECU City will feature next-generation learning, engagement and performance spaces, including:
- Six state-of-the-art WAAPA public performance venues, as home to more than 300 public performances every year
- Dynamic digital media façade and immersive entrance that envelopes the public plaza
- Digital smart labs and industry engagement hub
- Radio, television and film production studios
- Arts and design studios and workshops
- Public gallery and event spaces
- Technology enhanced learning commons and student support facilities
The landmark ECU City project is a collaborative partnership with the Australian Government committing $294 million, the Western Australian Government $199 million and ECU $360 million.
"It will be a game-changer for businesses in the city, driving economic activity and creating thousands of local jobs," Premier Mark McGowan.
"The project will also create new jobs and opportunities for local Aboriginal businesses and workers throughout the construction phase, as well as supporting apprenticeships and traineeships.
"Once open, the campus will attract the best and brightest to our State, while providing industry-ready graduates that will fuel the pipeline of a highly skilled local workforce."
More information is available at www.citycampus.ecu.edu.au
