An application submitted to DevelopmentWA shows a proposal to demolish the west side of the East Perth building and reuse the eastern portion for a museum and café.
The building on Adelaide Terrace was a corrective institution that had been empty since 2013.
Partial demolition and adaptive reuse of the building will cost approximately $14.5 million, according to the development application.
The application also shows other options WAPOL has explored, including a $39 million plan to preserve the existing building and undergo remediation work.
A WA Police spokesperson said this Business news A nonprofit organization has been formed to operate the museum, while the police department retains ownership.
The spokesperson said WAPOL predicts the museum will be partially open in March 2027, to coincide with the World Police and Fire Games in Perth.
If approved and built, the WA Police Museum in East Perth will replace the existing exhibition at Highgate.
“The Historical Society’s current museum volunteer facility at Highgate is substandard, technologically outdated and lacks adequate teaching, learning and storage facilities,” the application said.
“It is also unable to properly display or preserve the artifacts and exhibits currently located in [Western Australia Police Force’s] possess.
“Although the WAPOL Historical Society operates independently, the new museum will provide a dedicated public facility to showcase the history and heritage of the WA Police, integrating the historical society’s collection with that of WAPF, under the leadership of a newly appointed WAPF Museum Curator.”
The application stated that the proposed museum would be a catalyst for the future growth and expansion of the police department’s collection and public outreach programs.
“The proposal is supported by an extensive construction program of structural repairs, including the building’s concrete frame, roof and services infrastructure,” the document said.
‘As noted in the technical report, the eastern part of the building, although in disrepair, remains structurally viable, while the western part is beyond repair within the foreseeable financial capacity.’
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