Plans to revitalise Fremantle's Victoria Quay released

12/5/00
Premier Richard Court today officially released a final masterplan to redevelop the western end of Victoria Quay in Fremantle into Australia's most vibrant and unique maritime precinct.
Mr Court said the Fremantle Waterfront Masterplan provided a comprehensive framework to revitalise this important area, alongside the busy, working Fremantle port.
Central to the masterplan is the new world-class Maritime Museum which will showcase the State's rich maritime heritage and culture.
"The masterplan has been adopted after extensive consultation with local governments and the wider community over two years," Mr Court said.
"The end result is a framework that focuses on bringing the characteristics of traditional Fremantle to the waterfront, and provides for the area to be rejuvenated into a unique and lively community precinct for families and people of all ages.
"The masterplan ensures there will be improved pedestrian and vehicle access to the area, and that there will be a wide range of tourism, entertainment, education and business activities for people to enjoy.
"Importantly, the masterplan acknowledges the area's social, industrial, architectural and port heritage and encourages an appropriate mix of land uses which complements Fremantle's much-loved character."
The masterplan, prepared by architects Cox, Howlett & Bailey Woodland, identifies five precincts - Maritime Museum, Slipways, Commercial, Ferry and Slip Street - with some of the key features including:

• the new $35 million Maritime Museum at Forrest Landing;
• plans to develop a new ferry terminal in the inner port, with enhanced berthing and passenger facilities, to be constructed alongside the existing wharf facilities between 'B' and 'C' sheds;
• a new entry point to the waterfront, immediately west of the railway station, providing improved pedestrian and vehicle access;
• pedestrian promenades, extending the footpaths of Cliff and Pakenham Streets on to the Fremantle Waterfront;
• strong links between the waterfront, the west end of Fremantle, Fishing Boat Harbour, the Esplanade and the Roundhouse;
• an opportunity to develop marine-related educational opportunities which benefit from the area's rich maritime history and local industry skills; and -
• new commercial development opportunities.

Mr Court said the Government would encourage private and public investment in the redevelopment of the Fremantle Waterfront in accordance with the masterplan's framework.
He said he hoped a majority of the development could be completed within five years.
The new Maritime Museum will be the first project to begin construction, which will celebrate WA's rich maritime heritage and culture.
"Work on the site will start next month, with completion expected towards the end of next year," Mr Court said.
"The Maritime Museum will be an international symbol of Western Australian maritime chronicles, and will be the permanent home for exhibits including Australia II, ancient Aboriginal seafaring feats, and our modern fishing, trade and naval features."
During the construction phase of the Maritime Museum, it's estimated that up to 765 direct and indirect jobs will be created and the State's economy will receive a boost of more than $90 million.
There will also be ongoing employment and economic benefits as the museum establishes itself as a major tourist attraction for interstate and international visitors.
The Premier commended the work of the Fremantle Waterfront Steering Committee and acknowledged the co-operation and assistance of the City of Fremantle, the Fremantle Port Authority, and the WA Museum in the development of the final Masterplan.
Copies of the Fremantle Waterfront Masterplan are available on compact disc from the Government Projects Office, Level 8, 197 St George's Terrace, or can be downloaded from the Fremantle Port Authority's website at:
http://www.fremantleport.com.au
Hard copies of the masterplan are available for viewing at the Government Projects Office, Fremantle City Council, Fremantle Port Authority, public libraries in Fremantle and East Fremantle, Cockburn and Melville, and from the Alexander Public Library.
Media contact: Justine Whittome 9222 9475