Comment sought on design of new Maritime Museum in Fremantle

27/6/99
Premier Richard Court today invited public comment on the design of Western Australia's new Maritime Museum, which will showcase the State's rich maritime heritage and be a focal point for the redevelopment of the western end of Victoria Quay at Fremantle - one of the State's most historic sites.
Unveiling a model of the building today with the Minister for the Arts and Attorney General Peter Foss and Fremantle Mayor Richard Utting, Mr Court said the unique design of the building would make it one of the most exciting and significant cultural buildings in Australia.
"The shape of the building reflects an old sailing boat on its side on a sandy promontory, and it will be a stunning entry statement for Fremantle's inner harbour," the Premier said.
"The vision of the building is to contain an array of stories of Western Australia's maritime heritage, fundamental to the identity of our State and to us as a people. It will be much more than a place of static display - it will be a place of discovery, enlightenment and challenge, made even more significant by its location on the site of the first landing for the Swan River colony.
"It is also distinctive by being one of the very few museums in the world to be built in a working port."
Arts Minister Peter Foss said the new Maritime Museum would play an important art in highlighting WA's cultural history and would further reveal to local residents and tourists the importance of the sea in the State's development.
WA attracted mariners to its shores in the early 17th century and the launching of the replicas of 'Endeavour' and the 'Duyfken' have continued the State's fascination with maritime history," the Minister said.
"Life for many newcomers to WA had its beginnings on board a ship as migrants from all over the world arrived here and went on to contribute to the growth of our State.
"The port has had major roles to play in the fishing industry and in defence - particularly in World War II as a submarine base.
"Also the success of Australia II in winning the America's Cup and the adventures of lone yachtsmen Jon Sanders and David Dicks captured the imagination of people here and around the world."
Mr Court said the design, height and scale of the museum, designed by Perth architects Cox Howlett and Bailey Woodland, was in context with its port setting.
"Extensive public consultation preceded the choice of site and there has been strong support for both the new museum and the redevelopment as a whole," he said.
The site for the museum was one of two recommended in 1995 for its prominent and unique location. It is regarded as having the greatest potential to establish a development of unequalled excellence.
Since then, there had been consultation with stakeholders and the community at key stages of the project. Apart from relevant Government departments these included the Fremantle Port Authority, Heritage Council, the City of Fremantle, the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, interested public groups and the wider community.
The public would be invited to comment on the design by visiting a display in the foyer of the present Maritime Museum in Cliff Street.Welcoming the design, Fremantle Mayor Richard Utting said the building would become a future icon for the port city.
"This project will give Fremantle a world-class public building which adds to the diversity of the city," Mayor Utting said.
"The museum's bulk and scale is sympathetic to the heritage structures of the western end of Victoria Quay.
"The redevelopment will link the city to the Fremantle waterfront improving access between the two and enhancing business opportunities."
Mr Court said the design, height and scale of the building was in context with its port setting and its purpose - to contain an array of stories of WA's maritime heritage, including that of America's Cup winner Australia II.
The design has been reviewed by many prominent architects who have expressed their support.
"The new museum is an integral part of a precinct that has a working maritime heritage and all safety issues have been identified and addressed," the Premier said.
The new museum will provide exhibition spaces, after-hours facilities, educational and administrative offices and workshops to expand and complement existing museum facilities in Cliff Street. Historic nearby 'A' Shed will be refurbished to become part of the museum.
Mr Court said construction of the $35 million building was expected to begin late this year and take 18 months, with fit-outs of exhibits beginning in late 2000.
Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 9222 94753

BACKGROUND DESIGN DEVELOPMENT OF NEW MARINE MUSEUMThe new museum was designed to a specific brief developed by staff of the WA Maritime Museum.
The design approach for both the building and exhibition design is grounded in Western Australia's strong association with the water. This link from early exploration and settlement continues through trade, industry, sport and recreation.
The design concept of the new Maritime Museum is that of a boat on a promontory - a story of land and sea and the transition from one to another, a central theme in many of the museum's exhibits.
The specific analogy is the clinkered hull of the first dinghy that landed on this promontory in 1829, pulled up and turned on its side in the sand. The stern is half-buried in the sand and the line of the gunwhale sweeps gently up over the water.
The design expresses this transition from land to sea by locating the entrance to the east and journeying westward to the ocean. The eastern half of the building is seated firmly on the land while the western part reaches out past the wharf, perched above the sea.
Internally the Leisure Gallery, the future home of Australia II and other major craft, is structured like a boat and gives the sense of being inside a giant hull.
The museum is in context with its setting in a working port. From the south it forms a backdrop to the harbour cranes, slipway machinery, wharf sheds and the Oberon submarine 'Ovens' nestled alongside as part of the museum experience.
The building's geometry ensures that it does not intrude on the sightlines from the FPA tower into the shipping channel.
Where glass is used, particularly on the western face of the building, it is angled and protected by louvres to prevent glare for port traffic.
The height of the building is minimised by its shape, so that where it is highest it is also at its most narrow.

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