Coming soon to the heart of Perth
ECU City will be a 65,000 square metre university campus spanning 11 super-levels over more than 8,000 square metres of Perth City Link land in Perth’s CBD.
This world-class, urban campus will reimagine and reconnect Perth’s beating heart, while creating a dynamic fusion of creativity, culture, business and technology.
ECU’s Head Contractor, Multiplex, is leading and managing the construction of this ambitious project.
To stay up to date on the latest project news, follow ECU City on LinkedIn.
Construction update - December 2024
Topping off a great year for ECU City, Edith Cowan University's new CBD campus has officially reached its full structural height of 11 super-levels.
With internal fit-out and finishing works continuing over the next year, Perth’s first fully comprehensive, inner-city university is on track to open in 2026, bringing together creative industries, business, and emerging technologies in the heart of the city.
The landmark ECU City project is a collaborative partnership, with the Australian Government committing $294 million, the Western Australian Government investing $199 million and ECU contributing $360 million.
ECU City construction notices for commuters, local residents, and neighbouring businesses
Karak Walk and Queen Street Busport entrance closure
The Karak Walk thoroughfare (walkway between Yagan Square and Kings Square) is closed to pedestrian traffic to allow for construction works, and to ensure public safety around the ECU City site. The closure is expected to remain in place throughout the construction period - until late 2025.
Busport entries at Yagan Square and King Street remain open, with Queen Street now closed for the construction period.
Access to Perth Station is via Wellington Street, or by exiting Perth Busport at Yagan Square.
Pedestrian detours are in place via Wellington and Roe Streets throughout construction, with detail shown on the map following.
As part of the ECU City campus development, Karak Walk will be revitalised as a vibrant, integrated and activated public space that reconnects Yagan Square with the Perth City Link precinct.
ECU City site works underway
Works on the ECU City site will primarily take place between Monday and Saturday until the project’s completion in late 2025.
Edith Cowan University appreciates the understanding and patience of nearby residents and business operators.
Temporary Roe Street closure between Queen and William Streets from 2 to 6 February 2025
Roe Street will be closed between Queen and William Streets from 5:00am on Sunday 2 February until 7:00pm on Thursday 6 February 2025, to allow for the safe dismantling and removal of a tower crane from the ECU City construction site.
During this period, vehicle access will be restricted, and access to the Roe Street Wilson Carpark will be via James Street only. Pedestrian access on the northern footpath will remain open. Detours will be clearly signposted, with traffic wardens in place to assist motorists.
Wellington Street footpath closure between King and William Streets from 19 June 2024 to end of February 2025
The northern Wellington Street footpath next to the ECU City construction site – between King and William Streets – will be closed between the hours of 9:00am - 3:00pm, Monday - Friday, and 7:00am - 11:00am on Saturdays. Detours will be in place during the closure. The footpath will reopen outside of these hours.
This period of closure is required to protect community safety while major construction works continue on site.
Bike lane and footpath closure between Queen Street and Yagan Square from 13 December 2023
The northern Wellington Street bike lane and footpath next to the ECU City construction site – between Queen Street and Yagan Square – will be closed from Wednesday 13 December 2023 until the project’s completion in late 2025. This closure is to protect community safety while construction progresses on site. The bike lane and footpath will be closed during the day, with the footpath re-opening at night. Detours will be in place during this time.
Construction queries
For general ECU City enquiries, please contact us via the below link. For construction and site information, please call Multiplex on 0419 802 361.
ECU City Project Timeline
Site establishment works – May to December 2022
Construction commences – Quarter 1, 2023
Completion – late 2025
Open to students and staff - semester one, 2026
ECU City will create up to 5,000 jobs during construction, delivering a dividend to the Western Australian economy. Local business and community will benefit from a new workforce in the heart of the CBD.
This iconic project will inject millions of dollars into Perth and support jobs across sectors including education, construction, property, technology, arts, hospitality, retail and tourism.
It is estimated ECU City will deliver a $1.5 billion boost to the local economy during the construction phase and is anticipated to deliver more than $7.5 billion to the State’s economy in the longer term.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2025, with campus opening in semester one, 2026.
-
Short road closures may be required to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians during construction. Detours will be clearly signposted during any closures.
Access to the Karak Walk pedestrian walkway that runs through the ECU City site is closed for the duration of the project for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and workers. Detours will be in place for pedestrians.
-
ECU is working very closely with Head Contractor Multiplex to minimise any potential impacts on local businesses and the community, while prioritising safety at all times. As with any major building project, some construction noise and impacts may occur, however every effort will be made to minimise impacts where possible. We thank you for your understanding and patience during this time while we work to deliver a landmark campus for Western Australia.
-
Yes. The entries to the Perth underground busport at Yagan Square and King Street are open to the public. Karak Walk between Yagan Square and Queen Street is closed during construction, with temporary pedestrian detours in place via Roe and Wellington Streets. Please follow the wayfinding signage on site, or refer to the map above.
-
There is not expected to be any disruption to public transport and ECU is working closely with the Public Transport Authority to ensure access to the Perth underground busport remains open throughout the project.
For the latest information about public transport options, please visit www.transperth.wa.gov.au
-
ECU has worked extensively with Government agencies and environmental advisers to assess any potential environmental impacts of the campus and construction. ECU received Development Approval in late 2021 to proceed with the ECU City Campus.
In line with ECU’s commitment to sustainability, ECU City is designed to target a 5 Star Green Rating, regarded as Australian excellence by the Green Building Council of Australia.
-
ECU City will be established upon one of the world’s oldest learning places. For more than two thousand generations, Whadjuk Noongar people have lived, learned and been connected to Boorloo, the place now known as Perth. It is with great privilege and sense of responsibility that ECU develops its vision for this new university campus.
Since the early planning stage of this project, ECU has been actively working with a Whadjuk Noongar Elders advisory group and lead cultural advisers Dr Richard Walley OAM and Dr Robyn Smith Walley, to inform and advise on the design and build processes of the new campus.
-
Multiplex is managing the tender process for the construction of the ECU City project. For more information, contact procurement.ecc@multiplex.global
-
For information on construction opportunities with Multiplex, visit https://www.multiplex.global/careers/
For ECU employment opportunities, please visit https://www.ecu.edu.au/employment-opportunities/overview
-
We can’t wait to share our new campus with you once it’s ready! For course advice, applications and to discuss your study options, visit the ECU website, or make an enquiry with our Future Students team.