Perth Arena is a premier venue designed by ARM Architecture and Cameron Chisholm Nicol to accommodate up to 15,500 patrons. Making a striking architectural statement, the venue is likely to inspire redevelopment in the surrounding CBD areas.

Locker Group worked closely with the design team to understand their vision for a striking, dramatic interior, which includes four freestanding bars, five function areas and seven concessions; each area expresses its individuality through different colours and textures.

Locker Group’s internal feature wall, which is the first thing patrons see as they come in through the main entrance, features a textural appearance representing a quilted finish.

Locker Group was also engaged to supply the anti-climb security fence around the goods area. The security fence covers about 1000 square metres of both perforated and plain, unperforated panels.

With its texture and contrast, the feature wall in the main concourse provides a visual drawcard to customers. The external security fence surrounding the goods despatch area is further insight into the design brief and architectural language of this imposing new structure.

Internal feature wall with Pic Perf

While Pic Perf panels typically feature a photo or logo, Perth Arena’s internal feature wall has a textural element. The perforations were designed to replicate the image of a warm quilt, and the black anodised aluminium contrasts beautifully with the warm timber panelling.

Locker Group worked closely with the installation team, Denmac as each perforated panel was a discreet shape and not a rectangle. Each panel was either raked or angled, and Locker Group supplied each, fully finished and ready for installation.

Outcome

The new Perth Arena is a spectacular and daring architectural achievement, recognised as one of 7 shortlisted projects in the 2013 World Architecture Festival awards. The West Australian Premier, Colin Barnett noted, “This is an iconic venue for Perth… the Arena is a work of art.”

Locker Group is immensely proud to be associated with such a significant moment in Perth’s evolving architectural landscape.

Photography: Rob Burnett