(29/11/2018) New fig tree for Kings Square

The City of Fremantle has identified a suitable Moreton Bay fig tree to relocate to Kings Square.

The much-loved Kings Square ‘Christmas Fig’ was removed earlier this year because of its deteriorating condition and concerns about public safety.

The Fremantle Council approved the tree’s removal on the condition it would be replaced by another mature Moreton Bay fig tree.

The City’s Director of Strategic Planning and Projects, Paul Garbett, said a perfect tree had been located in Ord Street.

“The City commissioned an arboriculturalist to work with our project team to find a suitable tree based on criteria such as its size, health, shape and ability to be transported,” Mr Garbett said.

“From an initial list of 11 trees around Fremantle we shortlisted four of them for further consideration before finally selecting the best one.

“It will take more than a year to prepare the tree for relocation so we’re looking at the beginning of 2020 before it’s moved to Kings Square.

“I’m sure it will become a much-loved icon of Fremantle, just like the tree it’s replacing.”

The plan to relocate the fig tree from Ord Street to Kings Square was endorsed by the council last night.

The total cost to relocate the tree is expected to be around $45,500.

The City is also making progress with other elements of the public realm at Kings Square.

Three Whadjuk Noongar elders have been nominated by the Whadjuk Working Party to provide guidance to the City on how indigenous culture and history can be included in the renewal of Kings Square.

A concept for an environmentally sustainable lighting design has been developed, and a demonstration of different paving options will be installed next month.

About Kings Square Fremantle renewal

It’s by far the biggest project ever undertaken by a Fremantle Council and is one of the biggest developments in Fremantle’s history.

The coordinated renewal of the Fremantle city centre includes the redevelopment of the Queensgate Centre, Queensgate car park and former Myer building owned by Sirona Capital.

It will also deliver new civic/community buildings including City of Fremantle administration offices and library, enhanced public spaces, commercial and retail offerings.

This once-in-a-generation project will create a civic, retail, commercial and community hub that is a vibrant, active and safe place which reflects Kings Square’s unique position in the heart of Fremantle.

The project will create more than 2100 new local jobs for Fremantle once operational, injecting $358m into the local economy.