Conversion of Fremantle wool store building

Homeswest will spend an estimated $10 million converting the former Elders wool store building in Fremantle into a 135-unit residential development.

Housing Minister Jim McGinty said the project would be the first large-scale conversion of a commercial building for residential use in Western Australia.

Mr McGinty said the project would provide a model for developers seeking to convert similar buildings as well as acting as a catalyst for redevelopment of other sections of the Fremantle harbour area.

"The northern fringe of Fremantle's main retail area will become the focus of major redevelopment work in coming years," Mr McGinty said.

"Victoria Quay, in particular, contains many older buildings which could be redeveloped for a mix of residential, commercial and recreational uses.

"Homeswest's conversion of the wool store building marks the first step in that direction."

Mr McGinty said Homeswest had selected two architectural firms for the redevelopment - Oldham Boas Ednie-Brown and Tsigulis and Zuvela Pty Ltd.

Homeswest would call building tenders in mid-1992 - the project completion expected by early 1994.

The four-level building has a total of 44,500 square metres of space and covers an entire 1.2 hectare block. It is bound by Elder Place and Cantonment, Parry and Goldsbrough Streets.

Mr McGinty said there would be extensive consultation with the community before deciding the final shape of the development.

"A committee with representatives from the Fremantle City Council, the two architectural firms and Homeswest will be established to seek community input and oversee the project," Mr McGinty said.

"It is proposed that the units will provide rental accommodation for families, single people and seniors.

"The redevelopment is yet another example of the Government's commitment to provide innovative housing alternatives for Western Australians," Mr McGinty said.