Date 27 June 2025 Category City news Topic Arts and culture The City welcomes the news that Fremantle Press and CircusWA have secured a new home in Fremantle’s east-end. The City of Fremantle has welcomed the announcement that Fremantle Press and CircusWA have secured a permanent home in Fremantle’s east-end. The move into the SEC Substation, a heritage building located at 10 Parry Street, was made possible with support from the state government and the Fini Group. Attending Friday’s launch, Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said it’s the best possible outcome for two of Fremantle’s most iconic arts organisations. “This is a wonderful example of private, public and not-for-profit coming together to deliver a great result for everyone. “We’ve been advocating to the state government to invest in arts facilities in Fremantle. By making this investment they are contributing to what will be a ‘forever home’ for these two key cultural institutions,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said. Minister McGurk said the move will allow both organisations to expand their creative programs, collaborate with local artists, and increase public engagement through workshops, performances, and community events. “Fremantle Press and Circus WA have shaped Western Australia’s cultural identity for decades – their new home will ensure they continue to inspire and engage future generations,” Minister McGurk said. Fremantle Press Chair Clair Medhurst said relocating to Parry Street will be the perfect way to celebrate the Press’s 50th anniversary in 2026. “With this new chapter, we are setting the stage for an even stronger future – one where we continue to champion WA voices while opening up the Press to create a community hub for both writers and readers,” Ms Medhurst said. CircusWA Artistic Director Jo Smith said the Substation is an exciting opportunity to secure a permanent home with which to vision longer-term plans. “In typical circus style, we are designing a unique opportunity to survive and thrive in Fremantle. While we’ll be sad to say farewell to our beautiful Freo Big Top, this building will ensure our community and artistic programs can grow. The Substation will position CircusWA as a nationally recognised training and development centre,” Ms Smith said. Mayor Fitzhardinge said it’s now up to the community to help CircusWA and Fremantle Press succeed in their new home. “To that end Fremantle Council has waived all development application fees for the work required to re-purpose the building, which is a just small contribution as part of our ongoing support of these two iconic arts organisations,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.
