Engineers Australia is preparing to move to its new Perth CBD office in early 2023.
The organisation will shut the doors on its longstanding home in West Perth in December 2022, originally purchased by Engineers Australia in May of 1955.
Former chairman Mike Corboy said in his retiring address, presented in March 1983, that negotiations commenced with the City of Perth to build an assembly hall on the vacant block in 1957. There was “considerable disagreement” with the city building surveyor over boundary requirements.
The council insisted on a ten-foot setback which rendered the proposal unviable. After a successful appeal to the local government minister, the hall was built to the boundary line.
Tenders were called in 1958 and following acceptance of the lowest tender, the news was broadcast on the ABC news service on 18 May that year.
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Upon completion the building was named Science House. It was officially opened on 16 February 1959 by the then Governor of Western Australia Sir Charles Gairdner and has been Engineers Australia’s base in Perth ever since.
In mid-January 2023, Engineers Australia will open the doors to its new office on level 10 Allendale Square, 77 St Georges Terrace, Perth.
Feedback from members showed overwhelming support for a move to the city centre, with greater access to public transport options and amenities.
The selected space is being completely refurbished to provide a member lounge that includes some quiet rooms, an auditorium with seating for up to 150 people and adjacent multi-purpose function space for networking events and workshops.
A separate soundproofed room will provide a designated space to deliver webinars and podcasts. A parents’ room is located close to reception. A critical factor in member support for the move was finding a property that achieved a minimum NABERS rating of 4.5 stars and delivering a fit out that aligns with the organisation’s sustainability goals.