News & Updates

15

Oct

Walyalup Koort a winner at WA Property Awards

The redevelopment of the heart of Fremantle has added another award to its growing list of accolades by taking out the Best Mixed-Use Development at the Property Council of Australia’s 2022 WA Property Awards.

01

Dec

Walyalup Civic Centre: reopening next week

The Walyalup Civic Centre was closed because of a fire pump failure that occurred on Thursday 25 November.

26

Nov

Walyalup Civic Centre update

The Walyalup Civic Centre is currently closed because of a fire pump failure that occurred on Thursday 25 November.

25

Nov

Walyalup Civic Centre temporarily closed

The City of Fremantle has unfortunately had to close the Walyalup Civic Centre, along with Fremantle Library, Fremantle Visitor Centre and the Justice of the Peace service due to a water leak in the building on Thursday 25 November. They will remain closed for the next few days—check back on the Walyalup Koort website or the City of Fremantle Facebook page for the latest reopening updates.

24

Nov

Walyalup Koort playground official opening

The colourful new playground in Fremantle’s Walyalup Koort will be officially opened on Friday (26 November).

17

Nov

Walyalup Koort Community Open Day

Join us to celebrate the opening of Walyalup Koort on Sunday 5 December from 2–5pm.

05

Nov

Have A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Heart of Fremantle

Walyalup Koort in Fremantle’s revitalised civic heart is set to host to the Perth premiere of Fremantle Theatre Company’s new production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

03

Nov

Nine things to look forward to at the new Fremantle Library

Our brand new, state-of-the-art library at Walyalup Civic Centre is opening on Monday 22 November, and we couldn’t be more excited. Most of all, we can’t wait to share the opportunities that will be available for the community in our new library. Here are our top nine to look out for—numbers three and eight are our favourites!

28

Oct

Library on the move back to Freo's heart

The countdown is on to the opening of Fremantle’s new civic and community hub at Walyalup Koort, in the revitalised heart of the city.

11

Oct

Progress update: August-September

View the progress update and see all the progress made between August and September 2021.

23

Sep

Walyalup Civic Centre gets a new front lawn

One of the finishing touches has been added to Fremantle’s Walyalup Civic Centre, with the laying of the turf on the centre’s sloping ‘urban room’.

13

Sep

New home for Fremantle Visitor Centre

Fremantle Visitor Centre is set to move into a new home in the Walyalup Civic Centre.

24

Aug

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO OUR TOWN HALL

Fremantle Town Hall has been one of the city’s most beloved icons ever since it first opened in 1887. Now the Walyalup Civic Centre is set to breathe new life into one of Fremantle’s old treasures.

24

Aug

SIR HUGHIE TAKES PRIDE OF PLACE IN WALYALUP KOORT

The family and comrades of Second World War hero and former WA Governor Sir Hughie Edwards have given their stamp of approval to the new location of the statue created in his honour.

20

Aug

Architects find their happy place at home in Freo

Their outstanding designs have won countless accolades around the world, but for Fremantle-based architecture practice Kerry Hill Architects, there’s no place like home.

20

Aug

COME AND PLAY IN KINGS SQUARE

The new play space in Kings Square has been designed to bring fun to Freo’s civic heart.

19

Aug

Nine things to look forward to at Fremantle Library

Our brand new, state-of-the-art library at Walyalup Civic Centre is opening later this year, and we couldn’t be more excited. Most of all, we can’t wait to share the opportunities that will be available for the community in our new library. Here are our top nine to look out for—numbers three and eight are our favourites!

06

Aug

Progress update: June–July 2021

See all the progress made between June and July 2021.

15

Jul

Managing contractor to oversee completion of Walyalup Civic Centre

Fremantle Council has voted to accept a tender for a new managing contractor to oversee the completion of the Walyalup Civic Centre.

18

Jun

Progress update: April–May 2021

See all the progress made between April and May 2021.

09

Jun

City takes action on civic centre build

The City of Fremantle has taken action to ensure the management of the Walyalup Civic Centre build in the wake of Pindan Constructions going into liquidation.

27

May

Heart of Fremantle to be renamed Walyalup Koort

Fremantle Council has voted to change the name of Kings Square to Walyalup Koort – a Whadjuk Nyoongar name meaning ‘Heart of Fremantle’.

19

May

City committed to completion of Walyalup Civic Centre

The City of Fremantle has reaffirmed its commitment to the completion of the Walyalup Civic Centre as an integral part of the Kings Square Renewal project.

22

Apr

Kings Square play space taking shape

An important part of the plan to bring more life and activity to Fremantle’s civic heart is taking shape in Kings Square.

09

Apr

Progress update: January–March 2021

See all the progress made between January and March 2021.

08

Apr

Local businesses invited to join Kings Square Working Group

The City of Fremantle is calling for representatives of the local business community to join a working group tasked with ensuring Kings Square becomes the beating heart of Fremantle.

18

Mar

Have your say on Kings Square renaming shortlist

The City of Fremantle has released a shortlist of options for the possible renaming of Kings Square.

02

Feb

Fire protection for Fremantle Town Hall

Work is about to get underway on the installation of a state-of-the-art fire suppression system in one of Fremantle’s most beloved heritage buildings.

11

Dec

Installation underway on unique Walyalup Civic Centre facade

Installation has begun on a key architectural feature of the City of Fremantle’s new Walyalup Civic Centre in Kings Square.

19

Nov

Hughie Edwards statue will return to Kings Square

A statue of former WA governor and Second World War air force hero Sir Hughie Edwards will be temporarily removed from Fremantle’s Kings Square tomorrow morning to allow for the construction of the new Kings Square playspace.

02

Nov

Progress update - August/September 2020

See all the progress made between August and September 2020.

07

Oct

What’s in a name? Help us get it right

Momentum is building towards the completion of the City of Fremantle’s rejuvenation of the city centre, and now we are looking for feedback on the right name for our civic heart.

24

Sep

New fig tree takes pride of place in Kings Square

A new Moreton Bay fig tree has taken pride of place in Fremantle’s Kings Square after being relocated early this morning.

09

Sep

Kings Square library design coming to life

Construction is moving fast on the brand new Walyalup Civic Centre and Library in Kings Square, which is scheduled to be completed by December with fit-out and occupation to take place early next year.

08

Sep

Final preparations underway for Kings Square fig tree relocation

Final preparations are underway for the relocation later this month of a new Moreton Bay fig tree to Fremantle’s Kings Square.

04

Sep

Jacarandas coming to Kings Square

Rows of Jacaranda trees that will become a colourful feature of Fremantle’s revitalised Kings Square will be planted in the coming weeks.

31

Aug

Progress update - July 2020

See all the progress made between June and July 2020.

25

May

Progress update - May 2020

See all the progress made in May 2020 and find out what's coming up in our regular monthly update.

06

Apr

Freo’s New Giant Mural TOGETHER - A Symbol of Community Spirit

A striking new 2,000sqm artwork on the façade of Fremantle’s FOMO building stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity in these uncertain times.

24

Mar

Department of Communities now part of the Freo family

The first 300 staff from the Department of Communities have officially moved into their new head office in Fremantle’s Kings Square.

15

Mar

Joy to the World

MORAG MYERSCOUGH HARNESSES THE POWER OF ART WITH BIG, BOLD COLOUR TO BRING HAPPINESS AND CREATE A SENSE OF BELONGING. WE TALK TO THE ACCLAIMED LONDON ARTIST AS HER LATEST PROJECT GETS UNDER WAY IN FREMANTLE.

Design artist Morag Myerscough lives a life drenched in colour, no matter how grey the skies outside her London front door.

09

Mar

New Monthly Update!

Kings Square continues to progress. Read all about it our monthly update here:

21

Oct

September 2019 Monthly Update out now!

See all the progress made in September 2019 and find out what's coming up in our regular monthly update.

16

Sep

August 2019 Monthly update out now!

See all the progress made in August 2019 and find out what's coming up in our regular monthly update.

06

Sep

FOMO Freo Colour - Award Winning!

FOMO Freo Colour recently won the "Mini Guns: Excellence in Marketing, Brand and Partnerships award" at the Property Council WA Property Awards!

14

Aug

July 2019 Monthly Update out now!

See all the progress made in July 2019 and find out what's coming up in our regular monthly update.

30

Jul

Kings Square public realm contract awarded

Please find below the press release from the City of Fremantle.

A $1.6 million contract to upgrade to the public spaces around Kings Square has been awarded by the Fremantle Council.

23

Jul

Progress update - June 2019

See all the progress made in June 2019 and find out what's coming up in our regular monthly update.

20

Jun

Progress update - May 2019

See all the progress made in May 2019 and find out what's coming up in our regular monthly update.

17

Jun

Forrest buying into Fremantle

Andrew Forrest has invested $15 million on Fremantle property assets in the past 15 months, as the biggest regenerative project in local history nears completion.

16

May

April 2019 - Monthly Update

See all the progress made in April 2019 and find out what's coming up in our regular monthly update.

16

Apr

Work starts on civic heart

Construction has begun at the City of Fremantle’s new civic centre and library.

15

Apr

March 2019 Monthly Update

See all the progress made in March 2019 and find out what's coming up in our regular monthly update.

09

Apr

Ceremony marks the start of construction on the new Fremantle Civic Centre and Library

Media Statement from the City of Fremantle:

11

Mar

Kings Square Project Bank Account a WA first

See below the exciting media release from the City of Fremantle:

07

Mar

February 2019 Monthly Update

See all the progress made in February 2019 and find out what's coming up in our regular monthly update.

25

Feb

Ready to get building

This week's signing of the contract with Pindan Constructions to build the new civic centre and library in Kings Square was a historic moment for the City of Fremantle.

20

Feb

Fremantle's Kings Square construction contract signed

Media statement from the City of Fremantle:

01

Feb

Kings Square Renewal project timelapse: year in review 2018

It's been an exciting time for Freo and plenty of progress was made last year with the Kings Square Renewal project.

12

Dec

November 2018 Monthly Update

See all the prgress made in November 2018 and find out what's coming up in our regular monthly update!

19

Nov

FOMO FREO BUILDING A BRAND FOR THE COMMUNITY BY THE COMMUNITY

Please find below press release from Sirona Capital.

13

Nov

FOMO Freo Colour painting Fremantle Oval with fun on November 18

IT is time to put Fremantle back on the map, and according to local artist David Spencer, FOMO Freo Colour is the perfect event to do just that.

04

Nov

$270m plan to rejuvenate Freo

• KINGS SQUARE RENEWAL ON TRACK
• GOVT COMMITS OFFICE SPACE
• 1500 WORKERS AFTER

After buying the former Myer building in 2011, and then watching his anchor tenant walk two years later, Sirona Capital managing director Matt McNeilly has had a front row seat to Fremantle’s economic atrophy.

04

Nov

Master Stroke

After sloshing paint through Perth suburbs and beyond, Anya Brock is part of an artistic effort to bring central Freo back to life.

Even if you don’t realise it, you know Anya Brock.

04

Nov

FOMO FREO COLOUR

COME ALONG AND EXPRESS YOUR FREO IN ART /

FOMO invites you to join us for a FREE community art event at Fremantle Oval on Sunday 18 November from 10am.

03

Nov

Pindan picked for council HQ

Fremantle council has selected Pindan Constructions to build its new civic, administration and library building in Kings Square.

02

Nov

Progress update - October 2018

See all the prgress made in October 2018 and find out what's coming up in November in our regular monthly update.

01

Nov

Pindan selected as preferred builder for new civic building

Media statement ftom the City of Fremantle:

25

Oct

Kings Square carpark reopens next week

Following a multi-million dollar upgrade over the past seven months, the privately-owned Kings Square car park on Henderson Street (formerly known as Queensgate) will partially re-open on Thursday 1 November, just in time for the Christmas shopping season!

04

Oct

Progress update - September

It was a nother huge month of milestones here in Kings Square. Read all about it our montly summary:

25

Sep

Fig tree legacy

City of Fremantle press release:

12

Sep

Asbestos removal - old council building

Over the next few days you may notice asbestos removal contractors (people in blue overalls) on the roof of the old Fremantle council building in Kings Square.

05

Sep

Progress update - August

Download the Kings Square Renewal project July update for:

23

Aug

New record for Freo building approvals

Another building approvals record for Freo with Kings Square being a major contributer.

02

Aug

Queensgate carpark reno on track

The $8m refurbishment of the Queensgate car park is going well and the car park is on track to reopen in a couple of months, although some parts  will remain closed as works are finished off.

01

Aug

Progress update - July 2018

Download the Kings Square Renewal project July update

27

Jul

New trees for Kings Square

Press release from CIty of Fremantle dated 26 July 2018:

18

Jul

Big crane #2 on its way!

A second huge tower crane will be delivered and installed in Kings Square next week help reconstruct the shell of the Myer building into the new home for more than 1500 State government office workers!

30

Jun

Progress update - June

Download the Kings Square Renewal project June update

29

Jun

Thanks Jean!

At this week’s council meeting, Freo's mayor Brad Pettitt​ gifted former Fremantle Deputy Mayor Jean Hobson a sign from the Kings Square playground named after her back in 1992.

28

Jun

FOMO Fremantle finalist in World Architecture Festival 2018

Please find the Media Statement below from Sirona Capital.

26

Jun

Tree movements - part 2

After the successful relocation of five London Plane trees in May, the City of Fremantle will be relocating an additional three trees in July.

18

Jun

Huge cranes onsite

Construction is about to begin on the South Campus building which will become FOMO.  The former site of the Queensgate cinemas is now home to a giant tower crane which was put in place over the weekend.

05

Jun

Freo Council needs your input!

Please find below the press release from the City of Fremantle for community input toward the future of two Kings Square fig trees.

31

May

Progress update - May

Work is progressing really well in Kings Square!

22

May

Demo to start on old council building

Image L-R: Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt, Delta Project Manager Cathal Donnelly, Delta Operations Manager Tony Suda and City of Fremantle CEO Philip St John outside the soon-to-be-demolished building.

21

May

Smooth landing for Plane trees

The first phase of the City of Fremantle’s Kings Square tree relocation program kicked off in spectacular fashion last Wednesday, with a London Plane Tree seemingly floating along William Street on its way to its new home on the other side of Kings Square.

17

May

Kings Square funding announcement from Sirona Capital

Media Release from Sirona Capital

First State Super, Altis Property Partners and Sirona Capital announced they have signed a $190m funding package agreement for the Kings Square Fremantle redevelopment, comprising construction and term debt.

14

May

Supporting local businesses

The latest in a series of initiates designed to support local traders surrounding Kings Square in Fremantle has been launched.

08

May

Trees on the move

The next phase of the transformation of Fremantle’s Kings Square started this week with the removal and relocation of a number of mature trees taking place over the coming weeks.

05

Apr

We want you!

Were you involved (or know of someone involved) in the construction of the former Myer building, Queengate building and/or the council administration buildings in Kings Square?

26

Mar

Town hall a winner!

The restoration of the Fremantle Town Hall has won a major award by winning the Conservation of a State Registered Place category at the 2018 State Heritage Awards!

26

Mar

Queen Street Closure

Please be aware and plan ahead - Probuild have advised there will be a 2 week shut down to Queen St. This will be happening on return from the Easter break which has also been timed to avoid disruptions during the Fremantle Arts Festival.

02

Mar

$8m public space upgrade approved!

Fremantle Council this week approved  plans to upgrade public spaces in  Kings Square.

22

Feb

Demo work gathers momentum

A couple of these impressive looking 47 tonne excavators will be delivered to the Kings Square area this Friday (23/2) to help with demo. They'll be coming early morning (before 7am) so there might be some minor traffic disruptions as they're dropped off by trucks.

16

Feb

Newman Court closure

To ensure public safety, Newman Court will be closed from Wednesday 28 February 2018 as development activity ramps up in Kings Square.

13

Feb

Queensgate car park closure

A message from Sirona Capital:

The Queensgate car park will be closed from Tuesday 3 April to facilitate the car park’s multi-million-dollar refurbishment, as part of the Kings Square Fremantle renewal.

31

Jan

Kings Square playground concept revealed!

Draft concept designs for a new children’s play space planned for Fremantle’s Kings Square have been revealed.

29

Jan

Minor Disruption - Road Closure (Night works) 29 January 2018

Please be advised that there will be a total closure (including bike lane) of William St and Adelaide street (ending at the Queen St intersection) from 7pm to 12am TONIGHT - Monday the 29th of January. This is required so that we can install traffic barriers to create the construction work zone adjacent to the site safely. The south footpath on William St will remain open for pedestrian traffic.

20

Jan

Site works - week of 22/1/18

Work to locate underground services is taking place on Monday 22/1 and Tuesday 23/1 on William Street, Fremantle.

19

Jan

Tree doctor visits Kings Square

The City of Fremantle has called in expert help in further efforts to save the iconic Moreton Bay Fig tree in Kings Square.

15

Jan

Public space community info session (23 Jan)

A big part of the renewal of Kings Square is the enhancement of public spaces.

12

Jan

Activity ramps up!

It's all happening with demo and construction works ramping up in coming weeks and months!

12

Dec

Unearthing Freo's first church

An archaeological dig planned for Fremantle’s historic Kings Square early next year will shed new light into what life was like in Fremantle during the late 1800s.

22

Nov

Trader forum #2

A big thanks to our Kings Square business neighbours and reps from the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce and Fremantle BID for coming along to last night's presentation at the Federal Hotel.

10

Nov

Freo Oval move

The City of Fremantle is on the move with its administration and library to begin operating from the former Fremantle Dockers administration building at Fremantle Oval from Monday 18 December 2017.

29

Sep

Public space design

Today's media release by the City of Fremantle which outlines their plans for the public spaces in Kings Sqaure which will soon be open for public comment.

15

Sep

FOMO launches

Its a bit different, but very Freo.....

14

Sep

Free parking!

Visitors to Fremantle will soon be able to park for free for up to an hour in selected locations around Kings Square!

29

Aug

Breaking ground

We are very excited to inform you that Sirona Capital and the City of Fremantle, together with Probuild, will be holding a Ground Breaking Ceremony in Kings Square this week

28

Aug

Up go the fences!

This week we'll will be erecting temporary fences as we begin to prepare the North (Myer) and South (Queensgate) Campus building sites for redevelopment.

14

Aug

Community information displays in August

Come along to catch a glimpse into the future of Fremantle's Kings Square by dropping into the Fremantle Town Hall from 11.00am – 2.00 pm on Wednesday 23 or 30 August.

01

Aug

Kings Square - est. 1833

Did you know Kings Square in Freo is WA's only formal town square?! This Fremantle town plan was developed by WA's first Surveyor General John Septimus Roe in 1833. The plan clearly show Kings Square's special place in the history of Fremantle.

28

Jul

Did that tree just move?

The two palm trees in Newman Court (in front of the old Myer building) were relocated within Kings Square on Friday 28 July.

30

Jun

Thanks everyone!

A big thank you to our business neighbours who came along to the first Kings Square Renewal business forum last night. We hope you found it informative and enjoyed being able to talk directly to reps from Sirona Capital, the City of Fremantle and Probuild about the future of Fremantle's city centre.

25

Jun

Open for business

Freo businesses around Kings Square are open for business!

13

Jun

Hey neighbour

Great to get out and about and begin speaking to our neighbours about the Kings Square Renewal starting soon. Such valuable feedback and great ideas for us to move forward together.!

08

Jun

From the mouths of babes

A new children's playspace is one of the many new elements to look forward to as part of the Kings Square Renewal.

01

Jun

Keep up to date!

Are you a local business, City of Fremantle resident or interested observer?? Why not register for email updates to get the latest breaking news and alerts as they happen!