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

HERITAGE RESTORATION IS FREMANTLE BEAUTIFICATION

The heritage restoration of the building on the corner of Pakenham and Nairn streets in Fremantle’s West End is completed, but for a few minor detailing

I think it looks fantastic and want to acknowledge the significant financial contribution of the owners, who were supported by a grant from the WA Heritage Council.

The beauty of the old building has been restored and it makes a huge difference to the streetscape.

Roel Loopers

GREAT FREMANTLE HERITAGE PRESERVATION

It has been heart-warming to see so much heritage preservation going on Fremantle in lately. I reported earlier about 10 High Street, and here now photos of the building on the corner of Pakenham and Nairn streets, and the bottom one is in Henry Street.

The owners of all three buildings received a grant from the WA Heritage Council to achieve the wonderful outcomes, but some minor work is still to be done.

Roel Loopers

WONDERFUL HERITAGE RESTORATION

Wonderful to see the building on the right at 10 High Street back to its old glory. Owner architect Michael Patroni received a grant from the Heritage Council to reinstate the tuck pointing, and it looks great.

Number 8, next to it, received a facelift with the removal of the yellow paint artwork a few years ago.

There are several other heritage restoration projects happening in Fremantle currently, and I will take photos of those once finished.

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

HERITAGE GRANTS FOR FREMANTLE BUILDINGS

 

 

The WA Heritage Council has announced that two Fremantle buildings will receive a heritage grant this year, so that is good news.

The St John’s Anglican church at Kings Square will receive $ 87,812.04 for the repair of the collapsing northwest corner of the church and stabilisation work on the building.

The developers of 3 Pakenham Street will get $ 40,105.10 for reinstating the tuckpointing of the facade of what is in the process of becoming the Republic of Fremantle tavern, gin distillery and micro-brewerey.

There are a lot of really good things happening in Fremantle that will set up our city on a course of revival.

Roel Loopers

FREO HEIRLOOM WINS STATE HERITAGE AWARD

 

The Fremantle HEIRLOOM by MATCH residential development at Queen Victoria Street has won two categories in last night’s annual WA Heritage Council awards for adaptive reuse of a heritage building.

It won the Gerry Gauntlett award for excellence in conservation and also the adaptive reuse award

MATCH converted the former Dalgety Woolstores building, that was built in 1923. into 183 residential units.

The judges said that the building was a testament to the dedication and financial commitment of MATCH and they had used innovative solutions.

The Heirloom development was financially supported by Sirona Capital, which will start the Kings Square Project in the next few weeks, helping to rebuild the Fremantle economy.

Hillcrest in North Fremantle received a commendation for the conservation work done on it.

Roel Loopers