Fremantle’s ambitous new plan for the future

The City of Fremantle has released a detailed strategic plan to transform the city in the lead-up to its bicentenary in 2029.

Contrary to the booming Western Australian economy, Fremantle has been experiencing a long period of slow decline. The Freo 2029 masterplan, prepared in consultation with Coda Studio, is not only a strategy for renewal but also one aimed at jumpstarting the economy of Western Australia’s port city.

As City of Fremantle Mayor Brad Petitt, said, “It became clear to many of us … that the level of change necessary … needed to be brought about by a strong vision matched by some transformational moves – bold changes which will unlock the potential of the city as a vibrant and sustainable urban centre.”

These “transformational moves” focus on five key areas:

The city centre will see the redevelopment of Kings Square (a competition won by Kerry Hill Architects in 2013) and surrounding areas, with public and private building projects totalling 20,000 square metres of retail space, 1,500 new dwellings and 70,000 square metres of office spaces.

Proposed new public square at Fremantle railway station.

Proposed new public square at Fremantle railway station.

Image: City of Fremantle

The waterfront, including the Port, Bathers Beach and Fishing Boat Harbour will be transformed into high-quality public domain with improved access between the waterfront precincts and the city centre. The plan also includes a continuous pedestrian and cycling circuit linking the railway station, Victoria Quay, Maritime Museum, Fishing Boat Harbour, the Esplanade and South Terrace.

Proposed projects at Fishing Boat Harbour.

Proposed projects at Fishing Boat Harbour.

Image: City of Fremantle

The network city is a strategy that prioritizes walking, with upgrades to the city’s streets, in an effort to create a liveable and sustainable city centre. It includes a proposed new lightrail connecting Fremantle with surrounding regional centres that will act as a catalyst for higher-density residential development.

Proposed lightrail.

Proposed lightrail.

Image: City of Fremantle

The northern gateway into the city, where the heritage-listed Queen Victoria Street Bridge crosses the Swan River, will be transformed into a public park inspired by New York’s High Line, with walking, jogging and cycling paths connecting both sides of the river. A new traffic bridge is proposed as well as the relocation of the railway bridge further west.

Proposed projects at the northern gateway.

Proposed projects at the northern gateway.

Image: City of Fremantle

The Fremantle Oval precinct is also earmarked for renewal. The city’s famous ALF football club, the Fremantle Dockers, will be relocating to Cockburn when construction of its new facility is complete in 2016. The Fremantle oval will be reinforced as a sporting centre, shared between South Fremantle and East Fremantle football clubs. A number of neighbouring sites are also earmarked for potential development, including plans to redevelop the Stan Reilly site into affordable housing.

Proposed projects at Fremantle Oval precinct.

Proposed projects at Fremantle Oval precinct.

Image: City of Fremantle

The masterplan draws on extensive feedback from the Fremantle 2029 community project, which saw more than a thousand people attend eight workshops to further develop a 2012 strategic plan by the council. There are an estimated $1.1 billion worth of development works in the pipeline, including public, residential, tourism and commercial projects.

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