Government applauds power station proposal

20/6/03
A proposal to convert the East Perth Power Station into a world class art gallery is being considered energetically by the State Government according to Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan.
"The interior of the power station is a brilliant space and would be a magnificent display area for Mr Kerry Stokes' art and manuscript collection," Ms MacTiernan said.
"There is no doubt that it would be an excellent use of the heritage site and a great plus for Perth generally to have the collection here."
The Minister said that the costs of rehabilitating the derelict facility were enormous.
"The State Government has been looking at different options for the site and has not yet been able to find a proposal that does not require considerable Government subsidy," she said.
"We estimate that simply remediating the soil and restoring the exteriors would cost more than $13million.
"The costs of completely converting the power station into a prestigious art museum would be of a much higher order."
Ms MacTiernan observed that graffitists had in a sense already made the power station into a gallery of very contemporary art.
"Obviously we need to know what the Australian Capital Equities proposal would cost the taxpayer before any decisions are made," she said.
"We also need to consider probity issues associated with dealing with Government assets - but we are confident that a proper resolution of these is possible.
"The Gallop Government is developing WA as a liveable, dynamic and vibrant State."
Minister's office: 9213 6400