(7/3/2019) New life for Freo's Old Synagogue
Explore Councils by state
A proposal to breathe new life into an iconic Fremantle heritage building has been approved by Fremantle Council’s planning committee.
The plans approved by the committee last night involve converting the old Fremantle Synagogue, on the corner of South Terrace and Parry Street, into a new restaurant and hospitality venue.
It will feature four different offerings on the one site – with a restaurant, multi-level beer garden including a rooftop deck, basement cocktail bar and a casual front bar.
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the Synagogue proposal was another example of the adaptive re-use of heritage buildings in Fremantle.
“It's great to see so many developments underway in Fremantle that are not only preserving the wonderful heritage buildings we’re famous for but also putting them to good use and giving people the chance to enjoy them,” Mayor Pettitt said.
“In addition to the Synagogue proposal, work has started on the restoration of the Manning Buildings to create new office space in the vacant upper floors and also inject some vitality into Paddy Troy Mall with a new brewhouse and restaurant.
“Freo.Social in the Old Drill Hall will be opening soon as a brilliant new music venue, the old Police Station and Courthouse is being transformed into a hotel and so are the Warders Cottages next to the Fremantle Markets.
“The old Synagogue is in a very prominent location in Fremantle but has been vacant for a number of decades, so it’s exciting to know something will finally be happening with that site.
“It’s another sign of confidence in the city’s future and the private sector’s willingness to invest in Fremantle.”
The Old Synagogue was the first synagogue built in Western Australia and is on the State Register of Heritage Places. The redevelopment proposal is supported by the State Heritage Office.
The 117-year-old building operated as a synagogue for only eight years. It has since been used for a variety of purposes including an auction mart, rug shop, clothing outlet, art gallery and a cafe.
Following last night’s approval by the Council’s planning committee the proponent is now required to make an application to the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor for an appropriate liquor licence.