(27/11/2018) Splash of colour puts finishing touch on South Terrace upgrade

A splash of colour has provided the finishing flourish to the City of Fremantle’s streetscape enhancements on the popular South Terrace café strip in South Fremantle.

The upgrade, between Sydney Street and Little Lefroy Lane, features new road surfaces and footpaths painted in vibrant colours inspired by Fremantle's street art.

It also includes new bike racks and seating, street trees and drainage improvements.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the changes had created a pedestrian-friendly environment that supported South Freo’s street life.

“In the past few years we’ve seen this strip in South Fremantle just come alive with new shops, cafes and restaurants,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“While it’s great the area is so busy, it’s also created a few problems with an increasing number of pedestrians mingling with cars travelling along South Terrace.

“Widening the footpath has created a bigger, more pedestrian-friendly area, while the bright colours, new street furniture and trees have made it a nicer space for people to relax and enjoy.

“Reducing the width of the road has also made it safer for people to cross the street and will encourage drivers to slow down, which has allowed the removal of the temporary speed humps in that section of South Terrace.”

The project was funded with the assistance of a $200,000 grant from the Western Australian government’s Local Projects, Local Jobs program, with the City of Fremantle contributing $175,000.

State Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk said the state government had supported not just the South Terrace upgrade, but also the Hilton Town Centre enhancements and upgrades to improve safety along Hampton Road.

“The state government is partnering with the City of Fremantle to improve safety, and create streetscapes which enhance the vibrancy and liveability of our neighbourhoods,” Ms McGurk said.

The owner of South Terrace café Port City Roasters, Hanna Aziz, said the upgrade had made a noticeable difference in slowing down traffic and she loved the colours.

“It’s a lot more inviting for pedestrians and for locals to sit at their local café and hang out,” Ms Aziz said.

“It feels a lot more comfortable, a lot safer and it will definitely have an impact on our business and a lot of the businesses around us.”  

The South Fremantle Precinct Group is hosting a pavement party from 5:30-7:30pm on 6 December at the corner of South Terrace and Little Lefroy Lane.

Precinct Group co-convener Sean Hefferon said the party would be a great way to activate the new space.

“The work that’s been done looks great and has created a space where the whole South Freo community can come together,” Mr Hefferon said.

“Our pavement party is an opportunity for locals to meet and chat with other locals and celebrate the ongoing transformation of South Terrace.

“We invite everyone to come down, bring their chairs, couches, tables, games and musical instruments and enjoy a bit of South Freo community spirit.”

The City of Fremantle has allocated a further $100,000 in its 2018/19 budget for a second streetscape improvement at the intersection of South Terrace and Jenkin Street.

The upgrade will have a similar theme to the improvements between Sydney Street and Little Lefroy Lane, but with some variations to the design and colour scheme.

Construction is expected to start at the end of the 2018/19 financial year, with a second tranche of funding subject to approval in 2019/20 budget.