SIGNIFICANT HERITAGE OF FREMANTLE NEEDS TO BE PRESERVED

I believe it is pretty arrogant of the WA Government to start site preparation for the new Fremantle Police Complex at South Terrace before it has even been approved by the Joined Development Assessment Panel.

There are serious concerns about the scale of the building and its impact on the World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison Convict Establishment, and the heritage listed former Synagogue next to it. It is also a serious worry that large sections of the most western Convict Establishment heritage lime and capstone wall will be demolished.

This is what the Burra Charter has to say about proper heritage conservation:

The Burra Charter begins with a series of definitions, such as : Cultural significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present or future generations. Conservation means all the processes of looking after a place so as to retain its cultural significance.

The Burra Charter advocates a cautious approach to changing a place. Only the work necessary to repair and secure and to make it function is recommended so the history of the place can continue to be recognised.

Cultural significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present or future generations. Cultural significance is embodied in the place itself, its fabric, setting, use, associations, meanings, records, related places and related objects.

Come join the Politics in the Pub conversation about the Police Complex plans next Tuesday at The Local Hotel from 7pm.

Roel Loopers