A sod turning ceremony at Kings Square this morning has marked the start of construction on the City of Fremantle's new civic centre and library.
The $41.3 million project is part of the broader $270 million Kings Square Renewal project - a joint initiative of the City of Fremantle and Sirona Capital.
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said it was a historic day for the City.
"The Fremantle Town Hall has been standing proudly in Kings Square for well over a hundred years," Mayor Pettitt said.
"It's my hope that a hundred years from now our new civic centre and library building will still be standing alongside it, and will be regarded with the same love and affection.
"Our new civic centre and library will be an amazing building, not just for the council but for the whole community.
"Less than half the floor space of the building will be taken up by the operations of the City and its staff, with the majority of the building for community facilities and commercial and retail spaces.
"It will have a stunning modern library, fully accessible toilets and change facilities, a state-of-the-art information and customer service centre, a wide range of community meeting rooms and gallery and exhibition spaces integrated with the Town Hall.
"It will also be one of the most energy efficient buildings of its size in Australia and showcase a wide array of sustainability features.
"But most importantly, it will bring people back to the civic heart of Fremantle and make Kings Square a safer, more attractive and vibrant space."
The new civic centre and library was designed by the internationally renowned Fremantle firm Kerry Hill Architects and will be built by WA construction company Pindan.
Pindan Managing Director George Allingame said it was very special to be involved in such a landmark project.
"Even though I have been in the construction business for over forty years, I really enjoy moments like these," Mr Allingame said.
"I would like to thank Mayor Pettitt and the City of Fremantle for entrusting Pindan with this project, and I would also like to commend Kerry Hill Architects for designing such a magnificent building.
"We are excited to help bring this stunning new civic centre and library to the City of Fremantle and I look forward to being back here together for the official opening in mid-2020."
Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk represented the Premier at the ceremony.
"Today marks a turning point for Kings Square and the Fremantle CBD," Ms McGurk said.
"The new civic centre will be an open, sustainable and community-oriented space in the heart of Fremantle.
"Combined with the state government's relocation of over 1500 public servants to Fremantle, it will inject new life into Kings Square and the local economy."
