Edith Cowan University’s new city campus has opened in the Perth CBD, bringing its School of Business and Law into the heart of the city and marking a significant shift in how future lawyers will learn, connect and engage with the profession.
The purpose-built campus — described as Perth’s first comprehensive inner-city university — will see around 8,500 students and staff based in the Yagan Square in the CBD from semester one, including law students now studying alongside business, technology and creative disciplines in a highly integrated environment.
State-of-the-art teaching facilities include specialist law, business and technology spaces, supported by digital infrastructure, industry-connected learning environments and extensive student support services.
The School of Business and Law will sit alongside programs in cyber security, creative industries and the WA Screen and Media Academy, as well as Kurongkurl Katitjin — the University’s Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research — reinforcing the multidisciplinary context in which future graduates will train.
Edith Cowan University Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock said the campus marked a defining moment for both the university and the State.
“This is an historic moment not only for ECU, but for Perth and Western Australia,” Professor Pollock said. “Perth has joined the ranks of the greatest cities in the world with the first comprehensive, inner-city university campus.”
She said the campus was designed to bring together students, industry and community in a shared learning environment.
“From the talented creative arts students to the business, law, performance, and technology graduates — this campus is built for you to learn, engage, and create as you embark on your future careers.”
The facility is jointly funded by the Commonwealth, State Government and ECU, forming an 11-level creative industries, business and technology precinct intended to reshape Perth’s educational and cultural landscape.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said the development would strengthen the State’s economy and skills pipeline.
“This generational development will do more than just make skilling, upskilling, and reskilling more accessible to the people of WA,” he said.
“It will help bring together Northbridge and Perth’s CBD … helping to foster a vibrant and creative economy in the heart of our city.”
