Work on Perth’s $290m Film Studio Precinct Wraps

Australia’s most remote metropolis is making a play at becoming an international screen production centre with the practical completion of film studios that will have the largest backlot of any in the southern hemisphere.

The Western Australian Government has spent $290.5 million on the Perth Film Studios project in the north-eastern Perth suburb of Whiteman.

The cost includes $233.5 million on construction and $57 million to support management and operations over the studios’ first 10 years through a deal with Perth-based company Home Fire Creative Industries.

Home Fire was set up to bid for the film studios job. The group is a collaboration between Hesperia Property and Campfire Stories led by Howard Cearns, co-founder of Little Creatures Brewing; Ian Booth, former Screenwest chief executive, and a group of film producers.

WA Premier Roger Cook said practical completion of the Hassell-designed project had been delivered on time and on budget.

He said the “world-class” Perth Film Studios was the cornerstone of the state’s goal to establish itself as a major creative centre for international and national film, television and digital media production.

▲ Rendering of Perth Film Studios that this week reached substantial completion stage.

The precinct also includes two annexes, workshops for set and prop construction, 8500sq m of office space and a 2.32ha backlot.

The studios are expected to provide employment in the capital’s north-east, as well as drive demand for more housing in the growth hotspot.

Movie stars who have hailed from, or spent formative time in, Perth include Hugh Jackman, who studied at the WA Academy of Performing Arts, and Perth-born Judy Davis and Heath Ledger.

Perth Film Studios director Tom Avison was contacted for comment.