Freo to lure developers with high-rise options

Fremantle is a step closer to becoming a more attractive prospect for developers following the state government’s announcement to amend planning guidelines allowing for taller developments in the city’s east end.

Planning Minister John Day said that, under the amended planning scheme, development within the precinct could accommodate up to 2,500 residents, which would have a major flow-on effect for the community and the economy.

“This amendment paves the way for extensive redevelopment of the east end of Fremantle as a key gateway node to the Fremantle city centre,” Mr Day said.

Under the amendment, maximum building heights have been increased to seven storeys fronting the Fremantle Harbour and five storeys along Queen Victoria Street.

Fremantle Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Peter Nolin said the amendments were a positive step forward, however, regulations governing development in central Fremantle needed to be changed as well.

“Fremantle has a reputation for being unfriendly and non-conducive to developers and while that is changing under the new council, it is still limited by its scheme so it must be made more user-friendly,” Mr Nolin said.

Changes should outline a maximum height that was unambiguous and allowed for a discretionary height above that to encourage investment and good environmental outcomes.

“Developers need some kind of certainty, they can’t come into an ambiguous scheme or planning arrangement and unfortunately the current scheme does not allow for a height (two or three storeys) that would justify an investment,” he said.

City of Fremantle CEO Graeme Mackenzie highlighted the importance of boosting inner-city dwellings, with only 800 residents currently living in Fremantle’s CBD.

“An increase in the population in the CBD will support retail and will also provide a level of security after hours that you don’t get with a smaller number of people,” Mr Mackenzie told WA Business News.

A report released earlier this year titled Drivers of Activity Centre Development in the Fremantle CBD – Fremantle’s position in the metropolitan hierarchy offered solutions to attract more residents to Fremantle and increase office and retail floor space by 2015.

Traditionally the unrivalled twin city to Perth and the primary cultural and entertainment hub, the report said Fremantle was being eclipsed by emerging centres such as Stirling, Joondalup and Midland.

Meanwhile, Fremantle’s retail precinct has also been suffering, with the closures of Betts shoe store, Jay Jays and Jeanswest.

Mr Nolin said the lack of planning in the area, the downturn in consumer spending and the expansion of nearby shopping centres had seen consumers be less inclined to visit Fremantle as a shopping destination.

“The decisions they (retailers) are making now are based on their assumptions for the future,” he said.

“And because there hasn’t been a clear direction for Fremantle, people are saying ‘well if times are tough now are they going to stay tough’ plus Fremantle is starting to compete with other centres for consumers.”