Mint to get $250,000 overhaul

by Charlotte Choo

April 15, 2008

EXHIBITS at Perth Mint will become more exciting, but possibly more expensive, thanks to a $250,000 makeover set to start soon at the Hay Street money manufacturer.

The goal, says project manager Bron Sucheki, is for the renovation to pay for itself, via a boost to visitor numbers he hopes will cover expenses. However, he warns that due to spatial limitations, the exhibit may not be able to accommodate larger crowds.

So, entrance fees may need to be rise from the already hefty $15 adult and $13 concession charges.

“Most likely the price will go up,” Mr Sucheki acknowledges, “but it will depend on what the visitor chooses to do.

“When they come into the exhibition they will pay an entrance fee, then there will be additional charges depending on which attractions they choose to visit.”

Mr Sucheki hopes construction will be done in phases until complete in 2010, so at least part of the exhibition will remain open over the next two years.

 “Hopefully, we will be able to close it in sections so we don’t have to close the whole thing down,” he says. “Unfortunately, because of the space limitation we can’t actually do very much, if it has to go down, then it has to go down. “

At this early stage, Perth Mint does not have a clear idea of the exhibition design. An initial meeting with successful tenderer, Melbourne-based Acumen Design, will be held in May to discuss budget, design, and new attractions.