ECU City Preview

We sneak in before the Campus goes fully operational Construction of Perth’s first fully comprehensive, inner-city university has reached a major milestone, with the $853 million Edith Cowan University (ECU) City campus reaching its full structural height. When it opens in semester one, 2026, the world-class, 11 super-level ECU City campus will bring together creative industries, business, and emerging technologies under one roof in the heart of Perth. Jointly funded by the Albanese Labor Government, the Cook Labor Government, and ECU, the new campus is set to transform Perth’s CBD and the Perth City Link precinct with a community of more than 10,000 students and staff coming into the City to work, learn, and create. Today’s ‘top out’ milestone marks major progress on one of Perth’s most significant developments, with internal fit-out and finishing works continuing throughout 2025 ahead of the campus opening in 2026. Since main construction works began in 2023, the ECU City project has driven employment opportunities for thousands of locals. More than 600 workers are now onsite each day, including an apprentice workforce of over 12 per cent. Up to 5,000 jobs are expected to be created over the construction phase. Spanning more than 65,000 square metres and integrating the Perth Busport, the cutting-edge teaching, learning and performance facilities at ECU City will change the fabric of the CBD to create a vibrant hub of education, research, creativity, and technology innovation. The multi-disciplinary campus will be home to ECU’s Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), creative humanities programs from the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Business and Law, emerging technology and cyber security programs from the School of Science, and Kurongkurl Katitjin – the University’s Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research. Designed to redefine higher education and industry collaboration, ECU City will feature state-of-the-art learning, engagement and performance spaces, including: Eight WAAPA public performance and rehearsal spaces, as home to more than 300 performances every year; Next-generation technology teaching, research and industry spaces, such as an operational Cyber Security Operations Center (Cyber SOC); Radio, television and film production studios; Visual arts and design studios; Moot court; Public gallery and event venues; and An industry engagement hub. The landmark ECU City project is a collaborative partnership, with the Australian Government committing $294 million, the Western Australian Government investing $199 million and ECU contributing $360 million. ECU City will be a 65,000 square metre university campus spanning 11 super-levels over more than 8,000 square metres of Perth City Link land in Perth’s CBD. This world-class, urban campus will reimagine and reconnect Perth’s beating heart, while creating a dynamic fusion of creativity, culture, business and technology. ECU’s Head Contractor, Multiplex, is leading and managing the construction of this ambitious project. Works on ECU City's outdoor terraces are on the up with landscaping beginning to take shape. ECU City features dedicated outdoor spaces across the campus, including the 630-square-metre Sky Terrace overlooking Northbridge and Perth's cultural district. The combination of expertly designed terraces and balconies will provide an outdoor oasis for students and staff to study, relax and socialise right in the heart of the city. ECU City Project Timeline Site establishment works – May to December 2022 Construction commences – Quarter 1, 2023 Completion – late 2025 Open to students and staff - semester one, 2026 The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) was established in 1980 by the Western Australian state government and has since become one of Australia's most comprehensive and respected performing arts institutions. Located at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, WA, it offers a wide range of training for on-stage and behind-the-scenes roles in acting, music, dance, and production. WAAPA is recognized internationally for its high-quality training and has produced numerous famous alumni, including Hugh Jackman, Tim Minchin, and Frances O'Connor. In Semester One of 2026, WAAPA is scheduled to relocate from its Mt Lawley campus to a new, high-tech facility in the ECU City campus in Perth's central business district. This new campus is the centerpiece of the Perth City Deal, a collaboration to create a world-class university in the heart of Perth. R.10/10/2025