Victoria Quay Commercial Precinct

The WA Planning Commission issued a development approval with conditions for the ING Commercial Precinct proposal on 21/12/07.

Fremantle Ports welcomed the decision by the WA Planning Commission to approve the proposed ING Commercial Precinct development for Victoria Quay:

“We are delighted at the decision and that the WA Planning Commission has acknowledged the contribution this project will make to the overall revitalisation of this waterfront area,” CEO Kerry Sanderson said.

“It is pleasing to note from today’s announcement that the WA Planning Commission has concluded that commercial development on the quay is desirable and widely supported. It is also important to note that the Commission has received independent expert advice that the proposal now meets the objectives and guidelines of the Fremantle Waterfront Masterplan.

“The Commission also agreed with the widespread view that contemporary office space is much needed in central Fremantle. The new job opportunities for Fremantle associated with this development have been recognised as being of significant benefit to Fremantle and this is reflected in today’s decision on the ING plans.

“The opening up of links with the CBD, the potential to generate increased activity for the western end of Victoria Quay overall and the planned expenditure on conservation work have also been mentioned as positive elements.

“Fremantle Ports and ING have undertaken significant community consultation on this project over the years and the community input has been invaluable to the shaping of the final proposal as considered by the Commission. ING and Fremantle Ports will now need to work with the Commission to carefully consider the impact of the conditions set by it and we will be having further discussions in relation to these.

“We see this proposal as an exciting opportunity for Fremantle residents and visitors from further afield to enjoy the unique ambience of the working port from Victoria Quay.”

Click here for the WA Planning Commission's statement of 21/12/07.

Features of the development

The $200 million waterfront development will deliver:

a well-integrated work, tourism and leisure centre for Fremantle

much-improved connectivity between the city and the port

outstanding opportunities for business, including A grade office space

new attractions for tourism and leisure, including quality retail, restaurants and cafes

an estimated $12 million spent on restoration, re-use and interpretation of four heritage buildings (C Shed, the former immigration building, the amenities building and toilet block)

new opportunities for Fremantle retailers and businesses, and brand name retailers and office tenants not currently in Fremantle

an estimated net $81 million increase in the city’s annual retail turnover

new property rates income for the City of Fremantle

up to 1050 permanent jobs

new benchmarks for environmental sustainability in Fremantle

transit-oriented development advantages, with trains, buses, the CAT bus and ferries immediately adjacent

an estimated two million additional visitors to Fremantle each year

a new car park on the periphery of the city accessible through Gate 2 at the port’s eastern end.

Background

The Commercial Precinct is the next stage of the Fremantle Waterfront Masterplan, which was developed through extensive community consultation and adopted by the State Government in 2000.

Initiatives under the Masterplan already undertaken include the new Maritime Museum, O’Connor Ferry Landing, the new Challenger TAFE building in the Slip Street Precinct and realignment of Victoria Quay Road.

Kerry Sanderson said the proposal delivered key features identified in the Masterplan, such as the need for a landmark entry statement, pedestrian links between the city and the waterfront, and integrated buildings with professional and commercial offices at upper levels and retail, cafes and public uses at ground level.

She said the proposal also followed the historic layout of the quay, conserving and adapting four significant heritage structures.

“As these heritage buildings will flank a new attractive public square, community access and engagement with the port’s heritage will be strengthened.

“The community will be able to enjoy C Shed’s waterside position and views of the working port through restaurants, a tavern, food outlets and fashion retail.”

As part of the WA Planning Commission’s assessment of the development application, advice was sought from the Heritage Council of WA.

Kerry Sanderson said the development proposal had been shaped to a significant extent by extensive community consultation undertaken by ING and Fremantle Ports.