The West Australian Ballet Centre
The West Australian Ballet Centre is located ay 134 Whatley Crescent, Maylands. The building dates back to 1898, when the Governor of Western Australia, Sir Gerard Smith, laid the foundation stone for the Victoria Institute and Industrial School for the Blind. The institute originally had a number of buildings including a factory, workshop and residential facilities.
In 1937, the Lotteries Commission and the government funded the development which combined the original three buildings. The 1937 building is a fine example of the Inter-War Stripped Classical Style, and is one the few examples of a prominent Western Australian institution that features strong art deco detailing.
The iconic building was transformed from a neglected, run down shell into what is now a world-class rehearsal and training facility, home to an elite ballet training school.
It was recognised in 2013 for Excellence In Adaptive Reuse and won the Gerry Gauntlett Award at the 2013 Western Australian Heritage Awards. The local community are also benefiting from the building and are encouraged to use the three equipped ballet studios that are available for hire on evenings and weekends.