Perth’s long-anticipated Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) redevelopment is edging closer, with the City of Perth providing an update on the State Government’s proposed “Early Works” package.
The Early Works, planned to commence in October or November 2025 pending State funding approval, are designed to prepare the site for the larger redevelopment.
They include closing Birdiya Drive for at least eight months to build a tunnel structure and reconfigure the southern road network, as well as temporary upgrades to intersections at Spring Street and William Street on Mounts Bay Road to manage construction traffic. The disruption is expected to last around 12 months.
While the City acknowledges the PCEC redevelopment as a major economic and cultural opportunity, it has raised concerns over traffic impacts, design compliance, and the absence of holistic, city-wide traffic modelling. Modelling to date suggests severe congestion, particularly on Spring Street, where queues could increase fivefold in peak periods. The City also notes the potential cumulative effects of other major State projects occurring simultaneously.
Before supporting the current 50% design stage, the City is seeking written assurances from the State Government that comprehensive traffic modelling will be completed, mitigation strategies agreed, and any design compliance issues addressed before final designs are approved.
The City is also urging the State to engage with businesses and the community to ensure they are informed and prepared for the disruptions. Approval of temporary road changes will require sign-off from both Main Roads WA and the City of Perth.
Council has endorsed continued engagement with the State Government to address outstanding concerns, emphasising the importance of balancing the redevelopment’s long-term benefits with careful management of short-term impacts on the CBD’s transport network and community amenity.
Read the story about the October 2024 announcement in Exhibition Industry News HERE.
On the 28 July the Council adopted a position in relation to the proposed road and associated works (Early Works) to prepare for redevelopment of the PCEC. Download the position here.
