FREMANTLE council is poised to undertake a $30,000 feasibility study into a purpose-built Aboriginal cultural centre.

The centre would be included as part of the South Quay development at Victoria Quay, or somewhere else within the historic West End precinct.

It came out of a review of the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Arthurs Head, which found it had been a useful initiative but should be looked at more as a bridge towards a purpose-built facility.

The study will look at whether the centre could support a gallery and exhibition space, performing arts space, lecture theatre and classes, offices and an outdoor area connected with nature and the Swan River, which is known in the local Whadjuk dialect as Derbal Yerrigan.

The study will also look into links with local universities to create a world-class centre for indigenous studies, showcasing indigenous history and culture from around the state, and creating touring exhibitions.

Virtual reality will be explored as a new way of presenting indigenous history.

The study made it through the council’s Finance, Policy, Operations and Legislation Committee this week but needs full council approval later this month.