• Fremantle's West End is the largest single place to be permanently included in the State Register of Heritage Places.
• Area includes 250 buildings and 200 000 square metres.
• Provides a rare example of an intact business district established in the gold boom era when Fremantle was a thriving port city.
• Heritage listing will enhance the precinct's appeal as a tourism destination and help create local jobs.
• Key part of City's work to revitalise Fremantle and preserve its history for future generations.

Heritage listing of Fremantle's West End has not only created history, it will also pave the way for an exciting new future for the iconic precinct, Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said.

The State Government confirmed this week that the West End had been permanently included in the State Register of Heritage Places. Welcoming the announcement, Mayor Pettitt said the best was yet to come.

"The cultural heritage value of the West End has long been recognised locally and I'm delighted it is now recognised at a state level. We have something here in Fremantle that nobody else has or can have.

"Particularly exciting is the opportunity to continue to ensure our historic buildings are restored and used and loved. Fremantle is not a museum but a living, growing and vibrant city.

"The best cities in the world not only protect their landmarks but sympathetically adapt them for modern use," Mayor Pettitt said.

"The West End is a fantastic precinct not only for its rich history but also for exciting new opportunities to be created and for great things to happen."

Mayor Pettitt thanked the State Government and the Heritage Council for supporting the City's bid for heritage listing. He paid tribute to the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce and the broader local community, saying it had been a true partnership approach from the beginning.

Background

• The City of Fremantle nominated the West End for inclusion on the State Register following a detailed assessment and consultation process.
• It was listed on an interim basis in November 2016, with the Heritage Council of WA then seeking public comment on permanent registration.
• Heritage Minister David Templeman said this week that the permanent inclusion of the West End on the State Register provided protection and also ensured future development would be sensitive to the heritage values of the precinct.
• "State heritage-listing will enhance the precinct's appeal as a tourism destination, where visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and experiences of this historic area and contribute to its revitalisation," Minister Templeman said.

Photo (L-R): Hon. David Templeman (Minister for Local Government; Heritage; Culture and the Arts), Hon. Simone McGurk (State Labor Member for Fremantle) and Brad Pettitt (Fremantle Mayor) overlook the West End from the top of the National Hotel.