Promised as a key election commitment by the Cook Labor Government, the Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct aims to become a premier destination for live music, cultural celebrations, community events and sporting competitions — including a flagship motorsport festival.
Backed by $217.5 million in the upcoming State Budget, the development will support job creation and economic diversification, while helping to position Perth as a major events hub in the South East Asian region.
Community input will be used to help shape the early concept planning for the precinct. An online consultation platform is now live at www.pesp.wa.gov.au, and more than 25,000 households in surrounding suburbs will receive a mailout inviting participation. Additional drop-in forums and community sessions will be held in coming months.
The project delivers on the Burswood Park 20 Year Vision and proposes a multi-use track, outdoor amphitheatre, and a versatile building capable of hosting everything from triathlons and running festivals to concerts and para-sport events. Notably, a proposed street circuit for motorsport could put WA on the global racing calendar, a commitment Premier Roger Cook says is key to the plan.
Importantly, the precinct is designed with accessibility in mind, aiming to resolve existing transport challenges to and from Optus Stadium, particularly for people with a disability.
Premier Roger Cook highlighted the transformative potential of the project:
“This precinct presents Western Australia with the opportunity to position Perth as one of the major event capitals of the South East Asian region,” he said.
“We will address a clear gap in Perth’s music venue infrastructure and deliver permanent facilities to attract the best local and overseas artists. The street circuit will put WA on the global motorsport map.”
Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti stressed the importance of community involvement:
“We committed to delivering a multi-use precinct open to everyone throughout the year. That’s why it’s so important we get ideas from the community on what facilities they’d like to see included.”
Local leaders and stakeholders have voiced strong support for the initiative. Victoria Park MLA Hannah Beazley welcomed the community consultation process, noting that most of the area will remain open parkland:
“This is an opportunity for people to tell us what other amenities they would like in the area to enhance its use for the entire community.”
Perth MLA John Carey added:
“This is an opportunity for the local community to have input on how this precinct is designed and developed, and I encourage people to have their say.”
Contractors are now being invited to express their interest in designing and delivering the precinct, with the initial concept phase shaped heavily by public feedback.
For more information or to participate in the consultation, visit www.pesp.wa.gov.au.
