Groundbreaking new museum to create jobs, boost economy

• ​3,300 jobs expected for New Museum Project
• Construction will start mid-year
• Up to 80 per cent of materials removed to be recycled or reused
• New museum to contribute to WA's economy through tourism and education 

Premier Mark McGowan and Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman today turned the first sod of soil at the site of the new museum for Western Australia, ahead of demolition works to the non-heritage parts of the existing buildings.

The new museum design includes a dramatic building that integrates with the heritage-listed buildings on the site.  It will deliver a world-class museum with exhibition galleries, multipurpose spaces for public programs and community use, as well as lifelong learning studios, and retail and cafe spaces. 

It is expected to attract about 800,000 visitors in its first year and will be a major tourism drawcard for the State.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"The McGowan Labor Government recognises the important role played by the cultural industries sector in supporting WA's economy by creating jobs, attracting tourists and promoting a vibrant and cohesive community.

"The development of a world-class destination that provides excellent visitor experiences and learning opportunities for children and adults will be a great resource for all Western Australians, particularly families.
"Importantly it is expected to create 3,300 jobs during the construction phase, 1,800 being in the construction sector."
Comments attributed to Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"Western Australians deserve a world-class museum that shares the stories of our State in innovative and exciting ways.
"The new museum will showcase the State's extraordinary history, biodiversity, people and places.  It will be a museum for all Western Australians and will feature Aboriginal culture as well as the stories of the many people of our multicultural State. 
"It will draw people from across WA and around the world to our capital city and be a gateway to exploring the many and varied wonders of WA."