Main construction works have commenced on Edith Cowan University’s newest campus – and the first comprehensive university to be situated within the Perth CBD – with a sod turning ceremony held at the $853 million ECU City site today.
ECU City will bring together Creative Industries, Business and Law, and emerging technologies. 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 5,000 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 a significant skills boost in the construction sector.
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.
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.
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.
