Perth Zoo: Work starts on new $16.5 million cafe and function centre as part of zoo’s $180m redevelopment

Work has started on a new $16.5 million cafe and function centre at Perth Zoo, designed to be a central meeting place for visiting WA families.

The centre is just one of several projects which will come to life at the zoo in South Perth over the coming years as part of a broader redevelopment plan.

Perth Zoo will be able to host events such as weddings, birthday parties and special occasions at the venue, generating income for its operation and research.

“On top of that, we’ve actually allocated $51 million in total for these projects as part of the $180 million or so dollar redevelopment plan overall,” Premier Mark McGowan said.

“Over the coming years we will allocate more money (and) we’ll seek more money from benefactors, philanthropy and businesses around the state to do further redevelopment.”

He said funding the State’s zoo was important to make it a better environment for animals are more conducive to breeding and conservation.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby said the café will create a new eating and alfresco area adjacent to the zoo’s main lawn.

“It’s going to be a staged process. The first step is the hospitality offerings. This brings the cafe to the heart of the zoo,” he said.

Both projects are being undertaken by local company Crothers Construction, supporting about 380 jobs during construction. Materials will be sourced from local suppliers.

The new visitor café and function centre are planned to be completed by mid-2023.

“It’s a very exciting day we’re seeing the cafe take shape in the center of the zoo and it is part of a major upgrade over the next couple of decades,” Mr Whitby said.

“It’s a much larger facility that we want to see it grow and evolve into something very exciting and improved.

The next stages of the master plan will include an expansion of the African Savannah section, an Orangatang jungle, and a conservation and science tree-top facility.

“Apart from the animals on display, there’s some incredible work going on here to conserve threatened species and reintroduce them into the wild,” he said.