- Yagan Square reopens with 50+ free family-friendly events and night-time attractions as part of Illuminate Yagan Square launch weekend
- Highlights include day and night performances including The Light Maze, Second Life Markets, immersive performances and live entertainment celebrating Noongar culture
- Event marks completion of Cook Government’s $8.4 million investment in redevelopment delivering new hospitality precinct Stories, alfresco areas, busker spots and lighting upgrades
The redevelopment of Yagan Square has reached a major milestone, with the opening of its reimagined public square and market hall rejuvenation undertaken by award-winning hospitality group Nokturnl.
The Cook Government has invested more than $8.4 million into the Yagan Square redevelopment.
A comprehensive program of entertainment, known as Illuminate Yagan Square, held by the Cook Government, will see more than 50 free events, family-friendly and night-time attractions to take place this weekend.
The festivities run from 11am to late on Saturday April 27 and Sunday April 28, with more than 10,000 people expected to attend.
Illuminate comprises five zones of live stages, interactive attractions and roving entertainers, including a circus school, one-minute portraits, children’s markets, a magic show and face painting.
The historic Horseshoe Bridge will be closed and transformed into the Second Life Markets on Sunday April 28, with more than 80 stalls set to showcase vintage fashion and bespoke crafts from local artisans.
Another highlight of the program is heralded German architect Ben Busche’s The Light Maze, a walk-through installation that premiered in Seville and Brussels in 2017 and has since toured the world.
Noongar culture will be celebrated on Sunday evening, with Phil Walleystack’s KAYA to provide attendees with a unique 75-minute experience that merges traditional storytelling with sounds, movement, didgeridoo loops, dancers, aerial footage and projections.
Multi-venue precinct Stories will officially open as Perth’s biggest hospitality venue, which has a combined capacity of more than 2,500 people.
Comprising eight venues containing 11 bars and a range of outdoor spaces, Stories lays claim to Perth’s biggest beer garden, together with a rooftop event space and a children’s play area.
The precinct is being delivered by award-winning hospitality group Nokturnl, which operates The Old Synagogue in Fremantle, The Beaufort in Mount Lawley and South Perth’s newest heritage hospitality outlet, The Station.
Other upgrades to Yagan Square include new alfresco area buskstops for live entertainers, and upgraded lighting to enhance safety and vibrancy.
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Today marks a celebratory milestone for Perth as we unveil the reimagined Yagan Square.
“This vibrant space has been expertly designed to offer something for everyone, creating a more appealing environment that Perth can truly embrace.
“Our Government’s significant investment at Yagan Square has delivered a world-class public realm that will drive tourism and visitation to our revitalised CBD.
“With its continued transformation, Yagan Square is poised to become the go-to meeting spot for people from all walks of life, creating connections and rekindling the spirit of community in the heart of Perth.
“I encourage all Western Australians to come and experience this stunning precinct for themselves.”
As stated by Lands Minister John Carey:
“We’re seeing an incredible transformation of the Perth CBD led by our State Government.
“Our Government has invested more than $8.4 million to the Yagan Square redevelopment, public realm and activation of this important site to bring it back to life.
“The re-opening of Yagan Square is part of renewal of our city, driven by the Cook Labor Government, and alongside our investment in the ECU City Campus, will deliver vibrancy to the heart of the city.
“Following this weekend’s celebrations, a series of exciting events are already planned to ensure this precinct remains an activated, vibrant hub in the heart of our city.
“The Cook Labor Government is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to create jobs, economic activity, attract people and support small business in our city, including the redevelopment of Yagan Square, new continued growth of Elizabeth Quay, the ECU Inner City Campus, renewal of His Majesty’s Theatre and the planned renewal of the Perth Concert Hall.”
