February 15, 2026 — The heart of Perth’s Central Business District is now home to a groundbreaking educational facility as the new Edith Cowan University (ECU) City Campus opens its doors this week. This $853 million, 11-storey marvel not only stands as the first university campus in Perth’s CBD but also houses the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), renowned for nurturing talents like Hugh Jackman and Tim Minchin.
Situated atop a bustling bus port and two railway tunnels, the campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities including music venues, dance stages, and a world-class recital hall, all engineered to eliminate noise and vibration. This ambitious project represents a significant investment in the intersection of business, technology, and creativity.
Design and Innovation at the Forefront
Neil Appleton, design leader at Lyons Architecture, describes the ECU City Campus as “probably the biggest building of its kind” in Australia. Lyons Architecture, known for projects such as the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne, has brought a visionary idea to life, creating a space where education and industry collide.
“It’s designed like a mini city,” Appleton explains. “There are streets and laneways in the air, allowing a glimpse into classrooms and activities from the outside.” This innovative design supports a collaborative environment where WAAPA’s arts undergraduates share space with the university’s business, law, and cybersecurity schools.
A Hub for Creativity and Performance
ECU Vice Chancellor Clare Pollock emphasizes the campus’s focus on the creative and performing arts. “I don’t know anywhere else in the world that a university campus is making that the central theme,” she states. A 400-square-metre high-resolution LED screen in the main foyer and LED-illuminated ‘fins’ on the building’s exterior showcase digital content crafted by students.
The recital hall, five theatres, and various rehearsal rooms are designed with zero noise and vibration, using a “box-in-box” strategy for isolation. “It’s effectively a finely tuned instrument inside a prosaic structure,” Appleton notes, highlighting the engineering marvel achieved with springs for vibration isolation.
Impact on Perth’s Urban Landscape
Jointly funded by federal and state governments alongside ECU, the 65,000-square-metre campus aims to invigorate Perth’s CBD by drawing a community of over 10,000 students and staff. “The sense of Perth city in the evenings and weekends doesn’t yet feel as full as you would find in Melbourne,” Appleton observes. “This building will accelerate growth.”
The campus will host 300 performances and concerts annually, inviting the public to experience its world-class facilities. WAAPA’s executive dean, David Shirley, asserts, “Our brand new performance space and state-of-the-art facility will ensure WAAPA continues its place at the forefront of performing arts training, both nationally and internationally.”
Looking Forward
As the campus opens, it not only marks a new chapter for ECU and WAAPA but also sets a precedent for future urban educational developments. By fostering creativity and entrepreneurship, the ECU City Campus is poised to become a central hub for innovation in Perth, potentially inspiring similar projects across Australia.
With its unique design and strategic location, the campus is expected to transform Perth’s urban landscape, enhancing the city’s cultural and educational offerings while contributing to its economic growth.
