Conservation and upgrade project for the Old Port, Arthur Head
Project starts:
Arthur Head as an arts and cultural area
The purpose and vision for the Arthur Head area is to develop an authentic arts and culture area. This will in turn activate the West End, attract tourism, allow interaction between the public and artists plus reflect and celebrate the local environment indigenous heritage and historical significance of the site.
The City of Fremantle is currently requesting submissions for non residential lease of number 10 & 11 Captian's Lane, Arthur Head, for arts, heritage and cultural uses. The expression of interest document can be downloaded here. You may also download the floor plans for number 10 and number 11.
Heritage significance of the area
Fremantle’s Old Port Precinct is situated within Arthur Head A–Class Reserve vested with the City of Fremantle. Arthur Head Reserve is the landing site of the Swan River Colony declared so by the first settlers in 1829. It contains Western Australia’s earliest colonial building still in existence, the Round House, and remnants of other important colonial structures. These reflect on development of the town, the colony’s first and subsequently Western Australia’s major port city. The reserve is also important as being the only section of the original shoreline that survives in a relatively intact form along the whole length of the Fremantle waterfront. The historical importance of Arthur Head Reserve, combined with the unique geomorphology of the site situated within Fremantle’s urban context, represents a cultural landscape of exceptional heritage significance to Australia.
Short description of the project
The southern end of Arthur Head, the Old Port precinct, offers a variety of historically significant features, both natural and man–made including Bathers Beach, former Kerosene Store, the sea wall, remains of Long Jetty and the former Mortuary. The Old Port Precinct is the focus area of this Project. The scope involves conservation works and upgrade of public amenity. The former aims at preserving and revealing the cultural heritage of the Old Port Precinct through heritage interpretation, raising public awareness and appreciation of its rich history and significance.
The continued conservation and upgrading of the reserve is an investment in the cultural and heritage capital and community values. It also contributes to raising the Fremantle’s tourism appeal. The Perth 2011 ISAF World Sailing Championships, held in Fremantle, showcased the Old Port Precinct of Arthur Head to an international audience.
The project received substantial funding from the Lotterywest with the City of Fremantle contributing the balance, and ISAF providing moral support.
Update on the construction works
Works are underway for stage two of the project, they involve refining the heritage interpretation and public amenity elements in the area which includes; further extension of the boardwalk to incorporate a viewing platform and shade structure, a variety of seating including movable timber benches designed and positioned according to historical features in the site, some explanatory signs, drinking fountains, beach showers and the remaining landscaping elements which include a large grassed area and native dune vegetation. The conceptual plan attached shows the final outcome on completion of stage two.
The vehicle and pedestrian crossing installed and upgraded at Mews Road has resulted in better access and visual pathways between the Old Port, the Fishing Boat Harbour and the west end of the City.
Stage two of the project will be completed by the end of April 2012.
Public notice
Due to Water Corporation works the pedestrian/bike path will be closed from Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 April 2012. During this closure, for their own safety, it is important that members of the public follow the detour route through Croke Lane and Cliff Street. Anyone found to be on site without authorisation from the builder may be prosecuted. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your cooperation.