Fini, Trimboli submit $8m Freo plan

Little Creatures founder Nic Trimboli and Adrian Fini, of Fini Group, have submitted an $8 million proposal to redevelop a heritage asset into a mixed residential and office building.

The long-time business partners aim to redevelop the Robert Harper building on the corner of Phillimore and Pakenham streets in Fremantle’s West End.

The development application, prepared by town planner Urbis, was recently lodged with the City of Fremantle and the Metro Inner-South Joint Development Assessment Panel.

The Fremantle West End heritage area is listed on the state’s heritage register and the building itself is listed on the City of Fremantle’s municipal heritage list, according to the development application.

“Meaning, the City of Fremantle has identified this place as being of exceptional cultural heritage significance in its own right within the context of Fremantle and its conservation is required,” it said.

A Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage document shows the development cost as $8 million.

Mr Fini and Mr Trimboli plan to restore the former building façade to reflect its original 1920s design, construction of second and third floors comprising four apartments, and alterations to existing office space.

According to the application, the project is expected to start construction in 2024 and is to be completed by 2026.

“Internal reconfigurations to the existing office floors (ground and first) will provide a breath of fresh air to the building to transform it into a flexible office space capable of attracting top tier commercial tenants to work in the Fremantle city centre,” the application said.

“With three different layouts, the apartments will deliver a diverse housing form unlike anything else within the west end and will attract and retain residents for years to come.

“Utilising the existing foundations and structural integrity of the Robert Harper Building, the new additions will be a combination of glazing and metal cladding to effortlessly contrast and complement the newly restored heritage brickwork on the lower floors.”

Data from Corelogic shows the site was acquired for $3.85 million in October 2021.

Mr Fini and Mr Trimboli also bought Fremantle's P&O Hotel, on 25 High Street, for $5.3 million in May.