STATE GOVERNMENT CONCERTS ARE FUN BUT FREMANTLE NEEDS SUBSTANCE

Whilst I appreciate the big America’s Cup party the State Government is throwing at Victoria Quay on September 24, and also loved the High Voltage music event in May, the Roger Cook government needs to be aware that Fremantle needs more from them than just goodwill and fun gestures. We need substance and serious investment in Fremantle!

We need the WA Government to invest in Freo’s heritage, pay for the maintenance of Arthur’s Head and for new historic displays in the Roundhouse, because our local council with its small ratepayers base simply does not have the money to do all that.

One day events, that only attract day trippers, are fun, but not enough to really support Fremantle, and we deserve that, because we have been loyal voters of the Labor party for decades, making Freo a safe Labor seat. Don’t take that and us for granted, Premier Roger Cook!

Roel Loopers

FREMANTLE ARCHITECT APPOINTED TO WA HERITAGE COUNCIL

I am really pleased for him that Fremantle architect and former heritage co-ordinator for the City of Fremantle, Alan Kelsall, has been appointed to the board of the WA Heritage Council.

Alan is not only a delightful human being, but also a true professional, with a love and respect for heritage.

He brings a wealth of experience to the council from his extensive portfolio of conservation planning and building projects, including undertaking more than 50 heritage assessments.

Congratulations, Alan! Coffee on me next time we catch up.

Roel Loopers

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT DISRESPECTFUL TO FREO’S CHARACTER

 

There was an information session at the City of Fremantle on the proposed development of the Atwell Arcade site at 120 High Street. It runs from the mall to Cantonment Street and the developers want to erect a five-storey 21.4 metre high building there that would have a huge impact on the ambiance of the CBD.

The site is not one of  the 12 sites designated in Planning Scheme Amendment 49 that allows for higher buildings, but is within Planning Scheme 4, where only building of up to 14 metres-high are allowed under special conditions.

There were an unusual high number of members of the public at the info session and most were aghast about the bulk, mass and height of the proposed development and about the lack of quality of it. The design shows no consideration or respect for the surrounding streetscapes and heritage buildings along Market Street and in High Street mall. From Kakulas Sisters it would look like a bunker-like structure, sticking out above the adjoining buildings like a boring eyesore. The design is certainly not of the high standards required to even dream about getting additional height approval from the Design Advisory Committee, and Fremantle council should dismiss the application out of hand.

You will find more info and some images on the City’s website, so check it out and voice your concern about this monstrosity that has no place in central Fremantle.

Roel Loopers

I am unable to show artist’s impressions of the proposal as my request for them was not met.