Curtin University’s city premises will soon include the Old Perth Boys’ School in St George’s Terrace, Perth under a leasing deal with the National Trust of Western Australia announced on 30 January.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry said she was delighted with the decision, which would strengthen the University’s presence in the CBD.
“The Old Perth Boys’ School will be used for a range of stakeholder engagement activities, and its location is perfect given how important our links with industry, business and alumni will be to our future success,” Professor Terry said.
“The University also has the Curtin Graduate School of Business located at 78 Murray Street in the city.”
Constructed in 1854, the Perth Boys’ School was the first purpose-built public school in Perth. It has historic links to Curtin University through Perth Technical College and the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT) which both occupied the premises at 139 St Georges Terrace.
National Trust of Western Australia CEO Tom Perrigo said the Trust was committed to both a sustainable and compatible use of state heritage places under its care and control and Curtin University’s proposal has met these criteria.
“This is a win for present and future generations which will see one of the oldest buildings in the Perth CBD remain in public ownership and used as a public education facility,” Mr Perrigo said.
“Old Perth Boys’ School has a prominent location at the entrance to Brookfield Place adjacent to the BHP Billiton Tower, retail outlets and heritage places including the former Newspaper House, Royal Insurance, WA Trustees and Perth Technical College,” he said.
The National Trust and Curtin University are working together to complete an internal fit out for the building during 2015.
“We are very pleased to be working with the National Trust in their efforts to conserve Western Australia’s heritage,” Professor Terry said.
