The future vision for Perth Zoo is beginning to take shape with works now underway on a new café and separate function centre as part of a $16.5 million construction program.
The café will create a new eating and alfresco area adjacent to the zoo’s main lawn, with the new function centre set to provide a much improved space for events, functions, seminars and weddings.
Both projects are being built by local company Crothers Construction, supporting about 380 jobs during construction and sourcing materials from local suppliers.
These developments are the first to be delivered under the Perth Zoo Master Plan 2040, with the McGowan Government committing $51 million to deliver a series of projects over the next decade.
The new visitor café and function centre are planned to be completed by mid-2023.
Planning is also progressing for a series of enhanced animal precincts including an expansion of the African Savannah, a new orangutan jungle, a network of overhead primate tunnels near the main lawn, and a state-of-the-art Conservation Science and Treehouse precinct.
These projects will feature cutting-edge designs and concepts that will consolidate Perth Zoo’s position as one of the best inner-city zoos in the world.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“The new café and function centre are just the start of our future vision for Perth Zoo, which will ensure our beloved local institution can deliver better experiences for visitors and stronger conservation outcomes for the species we support.
“Delivered by local WA builder Crothers Construction, the café and separate function centre will support around 380 jobs during construction.
“We have committed $51 million to deliver a range of projects over the next ten years, including work to ensure our animal enclosures are at the forefront of modern zoo design.”
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
“Perth Zoo is an iconic State conservation tourism destination.
“Home to some of the rarest animals on the planet and an important community facility, it is vital that we continue to provide world-class facilities for both guests and the animals in our care.
“We are currently at the turning point for Perth Zoo, with your ‘Future Zoo’ on the horizon.
“I look forward to the opening of the new visitor facilities next year and seeing more Western Australians enjoy Perth Zoo like never before.”
