A new time lapse video released by the City of Fremantle shows how construction of the City's new civic centre and library building has progressed over the past year.
The $41.3 million Walyalup Civic Centre is the City of Fremantle's main contribution to the $270 million Kings Square Renewal project, which the City is undertaking in partnership with Sirona Capital.
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said it had been exciting to watch the Walyalup Civic Centre taking shape over the past year.
"It's hard to believe it was at this time last year that we held a sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of construction on our new building," Mayor Pettitt said.
"Since then it's been incredible to see the building that we were all so familiar with from the concept drawings taking shape right before our eyes, to the point where features like the library, the sloped lawn of the outdoor room and the central drum housing the council chamber are now easily recognisable.
"The City's infrastructure team and our builders Pindan have been doing a great job and the project has been progressing smoothly.
"While the outbreak of COVID-19 has unfortunately affected Pindan's supply chain and delayed the importation of some materials, the team have worked together really well to resequence the works and ensure that any potential delay in the completion of the building is kept to a minimum.
"When it's finished it will be an amazing facility that everyone in Fremantle can be proud of and one that will be enjoyed by generations to come."
The building, designed by the internationally renowned Fremantle firm Kerry Hill Architects built by WA construction company Pindan, will feature 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.
The City is also rejuvenating the public spaces around Kings Square, including a new Fremantle-themed adventure playground featuring cranes, bridges, train tracks and shipping containers as well as natural elements like water and trees.
Sirona Capital's contribution to the Kings Square Renewal project includes the redevelopment of the old Myer and Queensgate sites to create offices for state government departments and the revolutionary FOMO food, art and retail concept.
The first 300 staff from the Department of Communities moved into their new head office last month. It's expected that by the end of June more than 1700 staff from the Department of Communities and Department of Transport will have relocated to Kings Square.
