Acquisition kicks off urban renewal of old Fremantle industrial area

10/9/04
The acquisition of an old industrial site in Fremantle by LandCorp kicks off an exciting new phase of urban renewal in the port city - and is a perfect example on the type of redevelopment proposed in the Network City Community Planning Strategy.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the State Government had approved the acquisition of the 1.6ha Knutsford Street site by LandCorp from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.
Ms MacTiernan said the DPI site was expected to yield about 30 single residential lots. It was hoped that development could start in mid to late 2005, with the lots released for sale in the 2005-06 financial year.
"The site, which contains a number of sheds and has been used in recent times for boat building, is the first of several properties earmarked for residential redevelopment under the Swanbourne Street Structure Plan," the Minister said.
"The plan covers industrial sites totalling 10ha in the area of Knutsford, Swanbourne, Stevens and Amherst streets.
"The structure plan was approved in December last year by the City of Fremantle following extensive community consultation and a rezoning."
Ms MacTiernan said the acquisition followed last month's signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between LandCorp and the City of Fremantle to look at significant redevelopment opportunities in the city.
There was also potential to expand the Swanbourne Street proposal to the adjacent industrial area and create a significant new residential and mixed-use precinct.
"The Swanbourne Street precinct is bordered by residential areas to the north and west and is under-used as an industrial area - it makes sense to redevelop it to maximise the benefit to the wider area," the Minister said.
"It adjoins the popular Stevens Reserve and provides easy access to a wide range of services and amenities located in and around Fremantle, maximising the use of established infrastructure.
"Redevelopment will reflect the diversity that already exists in the city, ensuring the new community is integrated with the existing residential community and captures the Fremantle feel.
"Access through the site, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians, will also help with integration."
Minister's office: 9213 6400