The vision for the iconic Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and the adjoining Challenger and Success harbours has been captured in a draft master plan, released for community comment today.
The draft master plan released by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti will guide the future development of the iconic Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and adjoining Challenger and Success harbours for the next 40 years.
Central to the plan is the retention of the unique world-class working harbour with opportunities for long-term urban renewal, enhanced public spaces and improved access to the harbour from Fremantle's city centre and a redeveloped Victoria Quay.
It also sets a framework for sustainable future development and will complement the existing work underway to redevelop Fremantle's Victoria Quay Waterfront Precinct through the Future of Fremantle Planning Committee.
A key initiative is to reconnect the heart of the city with the water's edge by extending Norfolk Street, leading into a new mixed-use precinct. Others include;
- changes to traffic management to allow the northern section of Mews Road to be converted into a shared plaza, facilitating more festivals and events;
- improved pedestrian connection to the city centre through internal plazas, and along Bathers Beach to Victoria Quay;
- a focus on mode shift with bicycle parking, end of trip facilities and better public transport integration;
- new superyacht berths and support facilities; and
- opportunities for redevelopment sites, including a proposed mixed-use site where the boat lifter currently operates, and a site opposite Bathers Beach House.
The release of the draft master plan follows extensive engagement with harbour tenants, user groups, and the City of Fremantle.
The Draft Fremantle Harbours Master Plan is available for comment until September 4, 2022. To participate in an online survey, visit: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/fremantleharboursmasterplan
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Fremantle was recently listed by Time Magazine among the top 50 must-visit destinations in the world, and future works to redevelop our port city will make it an even better place to visit, live, and do business.
"Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is an iconic WA landmark cherished by not only the residents of Fremantle and the wider community, but it is also recognised internationally as a world-class attraction.
"The master plan will help ensure that the harbour continues to provide a unique experience as a family-friendly place to visit, while optimising opportunities to grow and develop - in step with the City of Fremantle - stimulating the local economy and employment.
"This plan has the ability to transform Fremantle beyond the harbour boundaries, with strong connections to the city centre and to the Victoria Quay, where significant works are underway to transform that location into a new, vibrant waterfront precinct.
"I encourage people to have their say, and participate in the consultation process to be a part of the final vision for the harbours."
As stated by Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk:
"This draft master plan outlines how we can enhance the use of the iconic Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, and better connect the waterfront to the city centre and a redeveloped Victoria Quay.
"The master plan includes a number of significant proposals to make it easier for people to access and visit the harbour front, and facilitate new economic and tourism opportunities through things like events and festivals.
"I encourage anyone with an interest to take the time to provide feedback on the plan, so we can ensure the community has a say in how Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is developed in the future."
