Fremantle Launches Port City Priorities
The City of Fremantle has announced the next wave of opportunities for development as part of the City’s Revitalisation Strategy.
Fremantle council has identified two priority projects to continue the port city’s revitalisation.
The redevelopment of the Fremantle Oval precinct and South Quay will stimulate growth in the area, create employment opportunities while developing underutilised assets for greater social and economic benefits.
“With a $1.4b development pipeline in Fremantle and the $2m+ revitalisation of Kings Square underway, there is great potential to capitalise on the growing interest in Fremantle and transform these well-known but underutilised precincts in our city,” said Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt.
“Council has been focused for some years on reviving the city centre but with plans starting to have their desired effect we’re now looking at the next wave of opportunities. Fremantle Oval and South Quay are at the top of our priority list.
“South Quay is not only a gateway into Fremantle, but the first impression cruise ship passengers have of Western Australian – which in its current form is a massive temporary carpark and a poor use of prime land which delivers a substandard tourism experience for the 1 000 cruise ship passengers and the local community.
“With the cruise ship industry booming and record numbers arriving in Fremantle, including the Ovation of the Seas yesterday, South Quay could become a high-quality integrated commercial and tourism precinct which better connects the passenger terminal to the city centre and leaves a much better impression of Fremantle.
“A City-commissioned independent report has identified the development of South Quay would generate 3,700 new jobs and private investment of $3.5b. It would also return almost $1b to the state over 20 years and could be done regardless of whether Fremantle Port is privatised.
“With state government support, we could also upgrade and develop Fremantle Oval into a premier community and sporting hub which would revamp the area following the closure of Fremantle Hospital’s emergency department and relocation of the Fremantle Football Club. This would include a WAFL centre of excellence for grassroots football and year-round activation including community events and festivals,” Mayor Pettitt said.
The City of Fremantle is calling on the State Government to:
- Contribute to the integrated upgrade of the Fremantle oval precinct by unlocking the state’s assets within the area
- Collaborate with the city of Fremantle to improve visitor access from the Fremantle Train station and Passenger Terminal
- Commence the planning process for the relocation of non-tourism port activities to enable an integrated tourism and commercial precinct to be developed.
If you’d like more information on the City of Fremantle’s Port City Priorities, visit the City of Fremantle Website.