- Construction of WA’s state-of-the-art screen production facility in Malaga well underway
- Project will generate hundreds of jobs during construction and well after completion
- Work on schedule with studios expected to be open for business from early 2026
Massive steel roofing structures are being lifted into place at the site of the Perth Film Studios in Malaga, marking a major construction milestone. The Perth Film Studios are a key commitment of the Cook Government in its enthusiastic support of Western Australia’s screen industry.
The two prefabricated modules, spanning 40 metres and weighing 30 tonnes, will form the framework for the roof over the first of four sound stages which are at the core of the studio complex now being built on the 16-hectare site on Marshall Road near the new Malaga METRONET station.
In total there will be 8,200 square metres of interior production space within the studio complex.
The studios will also incorporate production offices, an art department, wardrobe, workshops, set storage, parking, and a 23,200 square metre backlot which is larger than the playing field at Optus Stadium.
An investment of $233.5 million by the Government has made the building of the screen production facility possible.
The project was developed in accordance with the State Government’s Market-led Proposals Policy that aims to form partnerships combining the expertise and creativity of the private and public sectors.
The project represents the cornerstone of the Cook Government’s goal to establish WA as a major creative centre for international and national film, television, and digital media production.
More than 200 people are employed directly on the site, with one-fifth of the workforce being apprentices or trainees and a significant number of Indigenous employees. In total, 600 direct and indirect jobs have been created as a result of the project, including through local suppliers of the structural steel, concrete, bulk fill and the many other materials and services.
When operational, the studios will support new film productions, creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs and significant economic benefits for the State over the long term.
Construction is well underway and on schedule for completion by the end of 2025, with the studios open for business from early 2026.
The Arts and Culture Trust will be the owner of Perth Film Studios, on behalf of the State Government.
As stated by Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
“It’s really exciting to see the Perth Film Studios taking shape, with our long-time goal for a world-class screen production facility here in WA becoming a reality.
“The studio complex will rival the best in Australia and help attract major productions from around Australia and the world, while boosting the business and employment opportunities for the local industry and the WA economy more broadly.
“Backing Western Australia’s film and television industry is a critical part of our plan to diversify WA’s economy and set our State up for the long term.
“The delivery of the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line and Malaga Station precinct has allowed us to plan for the growth of new industries in Perth’s north-eastern suburbs, including this one-of-a-kind screen production facility, which shows our commitment to the area.”
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“While the WA screen production industry has already achieved huge successes, the building of the Perth Film Studios will amplify that success and help expand the industry to provide an incentive for our talented professionals to remain in WA and not be forced to seek opportunities elsewhere.
“We already have magnificent and unique landscapes that provide spectacular backdrops for the production industry, but soon we will have world-class studio facilities that will complete the picture for producers and directors.
“This project is one of great significance to our arts and cultural industries and will be the first of its kind in Western Australia, helping WA to attract talent and productions from all over the world.
“The Government recently released our WA Screen Industry Strategy, along with further funding of $31.9 million to support it, and the Perth Film Studios will be a vital component of that strategy that seeks to turbo-charge the industry well into the future.”
