Construction of the Perth Film Studios
In 2020, the WA Government announced it was seeking proposals from the private sector to locate, build and operate the state’s first screen production facility. The facility would need to provide studio, digital and post-production services to complement the boom in location-based screen activities across regional WA. It would also have to meet the requirements of the emerging games and immersive technologies sectors.
The call-out was part of a Problem and Opportunity Statement under the WA Government’s Market Led Proposals Program, with the process led by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
Following a competitive Stage 1 and 2 MLP process, the WA Government invited Home Fire to Stage 3 as preferred proponent to negotiate on an exclusive basis.
Following development approval in May 2023, Home Fire submitted its final binding offer to develop the facility in Malaga.
Several locations were considered during early planning, including Victoria Quay in Fremantle. As project requirements became clearer, Malaga was identified as the location best able to support a large, secure and flexible studio facility, with room to operate efficiently and expand in the future if needed.
Photos courtesy of OMID and Built.
The project was delivered through collaboration between government and industry partners.
Key contributors included:
More than 2,600 individuals worked on site over the course of the construction period, with 7 per cent engaged as apprentices or trainees. Approximately 3 per cent of the workforce were First Nations peoples. Local businesses played a significant role supplying structural steel, concrete, bulk fill and other materials and services.
Over the course of construction Traditional Owners were present on site to monitor works as required.
Aboriginal culture is reflected in the Studios’ public art, including the entry statement and yarning circle by artists Lea Taylor and Buffie Punch.
The site was previously used for cattle grazing and was largely cleared prior to development. Environmental considerations formed part of the planning process, with agency referrals to Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions which lead to a Kangaroo Management Plan to manage the relocation of kangaroos to Whiteman Park.
The project improved the site through landscaping and water sensitive design. Nearly 287,000 native plants and almost 500 new trees were planted across the 16-hectare site. All species are native to the South West Australian bioregion, progressively reducing the need for irrigation and eventually becoming self-sufficient. Planted drainage channels filter stormwater naturally, removing up to 98 per cent of pollutants, while rainwater harvesting is expected to save an estimated 280,000 litres annually.
Sustainability was a key focus throughout construction, with on-site solar systems helping avoid 130 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and 93 per cent of construction waste recycled. The project also achieved a 23 per cent reduction in construction carbon emissions, more than double its 10 per cent target, providing a 4-star green star rating.
To further reduce our environment footprint, Durra Panel, a construction material made from reclaimed wheat straw, was used throughout the build alongside low-carbon concrete options including Envirocrete and Fibre-Reinforced Concrete, collectively cutting carbon dioxide emissions by up to 60 per cent compared to traditional building methods.