Local secrets revealed to department staff in Freo walking tours

State government workers who have recently moved into their new offices in Fremantle’s Kings Square are being let in on some local secrets during walking tours organised by the City of Fremantle with support from the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce.

More than 1700 staff from the Department of Communities and Department of Transport have relocated to Fremantle over the past few months.

The special welcome tours, hosted by highly regarded guide Michael Deller of Fremantle Tours, share some of Fremantle’s intriguing stories and top local tips - like where to get the best coffee, perfect lunch spots and top small bars for Friday night drinks.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the free walking tours were a great way for the new state government workers to familiarise themselves with the delights of Freo.

“The City’s investment in the renewal of Kings Square was part of a clear plan to attract more people to live and work in Fremantle and restore our seven-day-a-week economy,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“It’s just fantastic to see more than 1700 new workers coming into Fremantle and supporting our local businesses, especially now as we bounce back from COVID-19.

“Fremantle has such a great atmosphere and so many interesting shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, so we’re more than happy to share a bit of local knowledge with the newcomers.

“I’m certain all the new staff from the Department of Communities and the Department of Transport will really love working in Freo.” 

Department of Communities Director General Michelle Andrews said staff were enjoying their new surrounds.   

“I’m hearing lots of great stories about how much our staff are enjoying our new Head Office and the great range of shops in Fremantle. Barely a day goes by that I’m not told about another great café or shop that one of my colleagues has found during a stroll through the port city,” Ms Andrews said.  

“Our staff members have fully booked the Freo walking tours for the entire month of July, which demonstrates their interest in learning about everything the city has to offer.”

“At the end of my first week my husband and I met up with friends at one of the local bars to celebrate. I grew up south of the river so the move to Fremantle feels a bit like going home.”

Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Danicia Quinlan said local businesses were happy to welcome the state departments into the heart of Fremantle.

“Our businesses have commented they are seeing more and more staff out and about exploring what Fremantle has to offer, which is wonderful,” Ms Quinlan said.

“The Department’s involvement in our Experience Fremantle from the Inside map project and the welcome tours is also great to see.

“For a long time Fremantle has primarily been a weekend city. We see the new Kings Square development as the start of a new future for the city as a place that we know is a great place to work and do business.”

The renewal of Kings Square is a $270 million project by the City of Fremantle in partnership with Sirona Capital.

The project includes Sirona’s redevelopment of the old Myer and Queensgate sites to create the new state government offices and the revolutionary FOMO food, art and retail concept.

The City of Fremantle’s contribution is the construction of the new Walyalup Civic Centre and library and the rejuvenation of the public spaces that surround the square.

For more information on the Kings Square Renewal Project visit the Kings Square Fremantle website, or watch this video.