22nd May 2018
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.
The City of Fremantle's old administration and library building in Kings Square is set for demolition, with preliminary work starting next month.
Demolition of the 1960s building will pave the way for construction to begin on a new civic, administration and library building with enhanced community, customer service and sustainability features.
The new building is a key component of the broader Kings Square Renewal project which also includes new retail and commercial elements as well as public open space improvements in central Fremantle.
Experienced demolition contractor Delta Pty Ltd will begin preparing the building later this month. This will include realigning the current boundary fence to extend around the north western side of the council building.
The first stage of works will focus on the removal and disposal of asbestos, with the demolition expected to be completed in October.
“This is yet another huge milestone for the Kings Square Renewal, which is set to transform the heart of Fremantle over the coming few years and attract more workers, shoppers and visitors to central Fremantle,” said Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt.
“We’ve already seen excellent progress on the demo of the Sirona Capital-owned Queensgate building and former Myer building so it’s great to be starting the same process on the City’s building.
“Demolishing the tired 1960s admin building will pave the way for construction to begin on a modern and sustainable new building with fantastic community facilities including a larger and more functional library and improved customer service and visitor experiences.”
Delta’s General Manager WA Andrew Farrell said they were excited to be part of the Kings Square Renewal project and would be taking a conservative approach given the city centre location and proximity of the site to the heritage listed Fremantle Town Hall.
“Having successfully completed various high profile government demolition and asbestos removal projects nationally, we bring over 40 years industry experience to one of Fremantle’s largest ever projects”.
“Delta has carefully considered the location and proximity of the Fremantle Town Hall when developing the demolition methodology. Our approach will include rigorous vibration monitoring with demolition immediately adjacent to the town hall being completed by hand as required,” Mr Farrell said.
“Public safety will be the highest priority throughout the project, especially during the removal of asbestos and any other hazardous material, with air monitoring and clearance inspections carried out daily by a third-party hygienist during asbestos works.”
The City of Fremantle administration and library functions relocated to the former Dockers HQ at Fremantle Oval in December last year and will move back into the new building in Kings Square on its completion in 2020.
