Construction of Perth’s first fully comprehensive, inner-city university has reached a major milestone, with the $853 million Edith Cowan University (ECU) City campus reaching its full structural height.
When it opens in semester one, 2026, the world-class, 11 super-level ECU City campus will bring together creative industries, business, and emerging technologies under one roof in the heart of Perth.
Jointly funded by the Albanese Labor Government, the Cook Labor Government, and ECU, the new campus is set to transform Perth’s CBD and the Perth City Link precinct with a community of more than 10,000 students and staff coming into the City to work, learn, and create.
Today’s ‘top out’ milestone marks major progress on one of Perth’s most significant developments, with internal fit-out and finishing works continuing throughout 2025 ahead of the campus opening in 2026.
Since main construction works began in 2023, the ECU City project has driven employment opportunities for thousands of locals. More than 600 workers are now onsite each day, including an apprentice workforce of over 12 per cent. Up to 5,000 jobs are expected to be created over the construction phase.
Spanning more than 65,000 square metres and integrating the Perth Busport, the cutting-edge teaching, learning and performance facilities at ECU City will change the fabric of the CBD to create a vibrant hub of education, research, creativity, and technology innovation.
The multi-disciplinary campus will be home to ECU’s Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), creative humanities programs from the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Business and Law, emerging technology and cyber security programs from the School of Science, and Kurongkurl Katitjin the University’s Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research.
Designed to redefine higher education and industry collaboration, ECU City will feature state-of-the-art learning, engagement and performance spaces, including:
- Eight WAAPA public performance and rehearsal spaces, as home to more than 300 performances every year;
- Next-generation technology teaching, research and industry spaces, such as an operational Cyber Security Operations Center (Cyber SOC);
- Radio, television and film production studios;
- Visual arts and design studios;
- Moot court;
- Public gallery and event venues; and
- An industry engagement hub.
The landmark ECU City project is a collaborative partnership, with the Australian Government committing $294 million, the Western Australian Government investing $199million and ECUcontributing $360 million.
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Comments As put by WA Premier Roger Cook:
“ECU City is set to transform Perth’s CBD, bringing it to life by drawing in more than 10,000 students and staff.
“This important project will deliver a major boost to the Perth CBD economy, with the purpose-built, state-of-the-art university and Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts creating vibrancy and a sense of community day and night.
“With the campus reaching its full structural height, this major milestone shows the scale of this project and the incredible impact it will have on Perth.
“It’s exciting to see the progress achieved towards delivering on my Government’s shared vision of a world-class education hub in the heart of our city, and I look forward to the campus opening its doors in 2026 and creating lasting outcomes for future generations.”
Comments As put by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“The landmark ECU City project is part of the Australian Government’s broader strategy to continue investing in building a strong future for our nation.
“ECU City is a city-defining project that will transform Perth into a university city and put Western Australia on the map as an education powerhouse.
“The project has already generated significant economic activity with thousands of jobs boosting the local workforce capability.
“When the campus opens here at Perth City Link in 2026, it will be the energised centrepiece of an activated precinct, delivering on our Government’s vision.”
As stated by WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
“It’s incredible to see the ECU City campus taking shape with our vision for a world-class university in the heart of Perth becoming a reality.
“With the campus just over 12 months away from completion, ECU City will revitalise the Perth City Link precinct with a thriving community of students, staff and visitors, supporting businesses and creating a vibrant and thriving CBD day and night.
“Located right above the Perth Busport, and within steps of the Perth’s expanding METRONET transport network, ECU City will be one of the most connected university campuses in Australia.
“Of course, this builds on our Government’s significant investments to help revitalise and rejuvenate our CBD, while also making inner-city living more attractive as our population continues to grow.”
As stated by WA Lands Minister and Member for Perth John Carey:
“This is a gamechanger for the future of Perth as the ECU City campus continues to reshape our city.
“The ECU City Campus, which will bring 9,000 to 10,000 students a day, will provide a major boost to small business and breathe more life and vibrancy into our growing city centre.
“The Cook Labor Government continues to drive the revitalisation of the Perth CBD and we’re investing hundreds of millions of dollars to create jobs, economic activity and attract more people to Perth
“Projects like the $853 million ECU City Campus, the WACA Ground redevelopment, a new inner-city primary school, redevelopment of Yagan Square and plans for a new state of the art convention centre and the new East Perth Primary School will play a significant role in boosting the number of people who are living, working and studying in the city.”
As stated by Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman:
“The ECU City project is a huge national investment in our local community. This campus will give local students world class jobs opportunities.
“ECU City will be an important social asset for Perth and a symbol of the importance this community places on performing arts and arts education.
“Our Government is cutting student debt now and investing in the education infrastructure of the future.”
As stated by ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock:
“This milestone reflects ECU’s commitment to delivering a transformative campus for our students and our community, and it extends our vision to build a brighter future for education in Western Australia.
“The ECU City campus is more than just a building. It’s a place where students will thrive as they learn, create, perform and discover. It will be the launchpad for new ideas, creative expression, and the future careers of our next generation.
“It will also be a place where students, researchers and industry leaders come together to solve some of the biggest challenges our world faces.
“We are proud to be delivering the ECU City campus in partnership with the Australian Government and Western Australian Government as we look ahead to opening in semester one, 2026.”
As stated by Multiplex WA Managing Director Chris Palandri:
“Reaching the milestone of topping out marks the completion of the core building structure and provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the thousands of people who have contributed to the construction of ECU City so far.
“Construction works to date have included installing over 251 piles, pouring more than 30,000m of low-carbon concrete, and craning into place over 5,000 tonnes of structural reinforcement and 3,110 tonnes of structural steel. The project is now set to become even more exciting as the focus shifts to the internal fit-out, including the complex performance and rehearsal spaces.
“Multiplex is incredibly proud to have reached this milestone on time and on budget, and we look forward to delivering the project ready for opening in semester one, 2026.”
