Fort Knox revamp a Match for building

THE first stage of the transition of Fremantle storage facility Fort Knox into warehouse apartments is taking shape, with major upgrades of the facility recently finalised.

The upgrade, funded by building owner, boutique developer Match, includes the replacement of broken glazing on two floors, the renovation of existing infrastructure and the repair of water damage.

The upgrade also created additional storage space, increasing storage from 570 to 870 storage units, sized between 1.5 square metres to 6 metres by 3 metres.

The upgrade of the existing infrastructure is the first step in Match's rejuvenation of the heritage property into apartment accommodation.

The project, called Company, will transform the building into a mix of one, two and three bedroom warehouse apartments.

The redevelopment will aim to retain the heritage character of the building, while providing a contemporary living environment.

The company secured development approval at the end of last year, and is currently working through final designs.

While previously slated for release mid-year, the company is yet to determine when the apartments will be released to the market.

"We're working through the designs and development process at the moment to determine exactly what to do with the building and when and how," a Match spokesperson said.

"We have to make sure they reflect where the market's at now... and whether they need to be changed."

Fort Knox Self Storage was the first storage facility to be introduced in Perth almost 23 years ago.

Its biggest tenant is retail furniture store East West, which has been with the facility for 15 years.

Match bought the building in late 2007 with the intention of rejuvenating the site.

The origins of the Fort Knox building dates back to 1923, when the site was part of a group of wool stores that occupied the entire street block.

Also in Fremantle, owner of the old Woolstores building Marylyn New is reportedly set to be forced by the City of Fremantle to conduct urgent repairs on the dilapidated building.

Ms New's almost decade-long battle to redevelop the site into a luxury apartment and hotel complex has been stalled over conflicts with council on certain design aspects.