The Council is very proud to announce it has awarded Doric Contractors Pty Ltd the tender to build the City of Perth’s exciting new public library and plaza in the Cathedral and Treasury precinct at a cost of $33.3 million.

This is the City of Perth’s largest civic construction commitment since the Perth Concert Hall was constructed in 1973.

Doric was selected from a strong short-list of six companies after 14 Expressions of Interest had been received.

Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi says the Council’s decision is historic as it paves the way to start the construction phase of the project in the newly developed precinct.

“The new City of Perth Library and Public Plaza will be an elegant building with graceful circular design and state-of-the-art facilities as designed by Kerry Hill Architects and accompanying much needed city services,” Ms Scaffidi said.

“The City of Perth Library and Public Plaza will be an integral part of the Cathedral and Treasury Precinct redevelopment, which includes the Old Treasury Buildings, Land Titles Office and St George’s Cathedral.

“We are very excited and proud about this significant civic development to be undertaken by the City.”

The library project is being built on the site of the Law Chambers Building (567-579 Hay Street), which has now almost been demolished. 

Estimated completion date for the City of Perth Library and Plaza is late 2014.    

The library currently operates from temporary premises in Gordon Stephenson House at 140 William Street, on the corner of Murray Street Mall.

“When completed, the new library building will cover some 3,500 sqm and will include meeting rooms, gallery spaces, café/tenancy and amenities. It will also incorporate sustainable design features,” Ms Scaffidi said.

“It will add a fresh, new dimension to the precinct while accentuating the heritage aspects of the historic buildings.

“The public plaza will provide an attractive outlook from the building as well as being a restful public space.”

The overall design will provide a bright, new perspective on the adjacent heritage buildings which have been overshadowed or obscured due to their proximity to the multi-storey former Law Chambers Building. 

The library and new public plaza project is the Council's contribution to the heritage precinct which includes the refurbishment of the Old Treasury Buildings into a boutique hotel by FJM Property, a 33-floor office tower by Mirvac and the refurbishment of the Public Trustees Building by the Perth Diocesan Trustees.