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SYDNEY: A new performing arts centre in Northbridge, Perth, has been named after the late Australian actor Heath Ledger.
Called the Heath Ledger Theatre, Ledger's father Kim said he was pleased his son would be remembered in this way, as he had been particularly generous towards the arts.
"I really feel that there's not a lot of things he'd put his name to but he'd put his name to that," he said.
Ledger, 28, had died from a prescription drug overdose in New York in January.
Though naming the centre after the star was a controversial choice, Western Australian state Premier Alan Carpenter said the decision was a fitting tribute to the actor and one that had the full support of his family.
"The bottom line of this, I think, is that the overwhelming majority of people... will say it's a good move," he said.
The 575-seat theatre which is still under construction, will also feature a flexible 200-seat performance studio, rehearsal spaces as well as an outdoor multi-purpose space.
Ledger's last two films - the Batman movie "The Dark Knight" and "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" - are set to hit screens in the United States in July and 2009 respectively.
- CNA/il
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