Yagan Square facts for kids
"Wirin" by artist Tjyllyungoo
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| Namesake | Yagan |
|---|---|
| Area | 1.1 ha (2.7 acres) |
| Location | City of Perth |
| Coordinates | Lua error in Module:Coordinates at line 614: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
| North end | Northbridge |
| South end | Central business district |
| North | Roe Street |
| East | Horseshoe Bridge |
| South | Wellington Street |
| West | ECU City |
| Construction | |
| Construction start | February 2016 |
| Inauguration | 3 March 2018 |
| Other | |
| Status | Pedestrian |
Yagan Square is a lively public space in Perth, Western Australia. It's part of the Perth City Link project. This special area is located between the Horseshoe Bridge and the ECU City campus. It covers about 1.1 hectares, which is like 2.7 acres. The square is named after Yagan, a brave Aboriginal warrior.
Contents
Discover Yagan Square
A Place of History and Culture
Yagan Square was designed with great respect for the Noongar people. They are the traditional owners of the land where Perth is built. The design also remembers the ancient lakes that once covered this area. These lakes were under what is now the Perth railway station and Wellington Street.
You can easily enter the square from many directions. There are paths from Roe Street to the north and Wellington Street to the south. You can also come from the Horseshoe Bridge or directly from Perth railway station. Right next to the square is Edith Cowan University's city campus, ECU City. There's also an entrance to the underground Perth Busport nearby.
The Digital Tower and Its Meaning
A tall, 45-meter (148-foot) 'digital tower' stands in the square. It has a huge screen that wraps around it. This screen is 30 meters (98 feet) wide and 14 meters (46 feet) high. Fourteen columns rise from the tower's center. They represent the fourteen different Noongar language groups.
The tower shows amazing artwork and short films. It also broadcasts live events, like sports finals. In 2021, it showed a satellite launch. In 2023, it displayed a solar eclipse. The tower has also been used to share important public messages.
Art and Nature in the Square
Near William Street, you'll see a 9-meter (30-foot) tall statue called 'Wirin'. Noongar artist Tjyllyungoo created it. 'Wirin' symbolizes the powerful creative energy. This energy connects all life on boodja (mother earth).
A long water feature, 'Waterline', also runs through the space. It's 190 meters (623 feet) long and designed by Jon Tarry. Yagan Square also has a lovely grass area and a beautiful wildflower garden.
Fun at the Amphitheatre
The eastern side of Yagan Square features a large outdoor amphitheatre. It can hold up to 1000 people. A special digital canopy shades it. This canopy lights up and looks like the old Lakes Kingsford and Irwin. These lakes used to be in this very area.
The amphitheatre is a popular spot for concerts and live shows. It also hosts film screenings and fun exercise classes. On either side of the amphitheatre are buildings with places to eat and drink. These are the Horseshoe Lane building and the Stories complex. The Stories complex even has a children's playground!
History of Yagan Square
From Train Tracks to Public Space
Before Yagan Square existed, this area had train tracks and platforms. They ran under the Horseshoe Bridge, next to the main Perth railway station. In 2012 and 2013, these train lines were moved underground. The old platforms were removed. This was all part of the big Perth City Link project.
Plans for Yagan Square were first shown in November 2014. Building the square started in February 2016. It officially opened to the public on March 3, 2018.
The Evolution of the Stories Complex
The Stories complex, where you find food and fun today, was once called the Market Hall. It opened with the square and had a playground and water play area. Over time, it was decided to make some changes.
In October 2022, plans were announced for a big update. The Market Hall was transformed into a new five-level complex. This new 'Stories' complex opened in April 2024. It now has many restaurants and cafes, welcoming over 4000 visitors.
ECU City Campus Nearby
Next to Yagan Square, the ECU City campus was built. Construction started in February 2023. This large project was finished in late 2025, ready for students to attend classes.
