New home for Fremantle Visitor Centre

Fremantle Visitor Centre is set to move into a new home in the Walyalup Civic Centre.

For the past three years the Visitor Centre has operated out of temporary facilities in the Fremantle Town Hall.

Last week Fremantle Council’s Finance, Policy, Operations and Legislation Committee approved the use of the ground floor triangular commercial tenancy at the Walyalup Civic Centre for the Visitor Centre.

Fremantle Deputy Mayor Andrew Sullivan said the Visitor Centre would be a good way to activate the space until a commercial tenant can be found.

“The ultimate aim for that triangular space is to have a hospitality-based offering that would activate Walyalup Koort from early in the morning until late into the evening,” Cr Sullivan said.

“Although several offers have been received, market conditions and uncertainty generated by the impacts of COVID-19 have impacted our ability to finalise a commercial lease for the space.

“Concurrent to that, last year the City reached an agreement with Sirona Capital to develop a model for the external operation of a new visitor centre in the FOMO building, however due to the challenging tourism landscape resulting from the pandemic a suitable model has yet to be achieved.

“The concept approved by the FPOL committee is for that triangular space to not only be used for the Visitor Centre but also as a gathering place and information resource for the local community.

“The fitout and furnishings would be delivered in a way that the space can be emptied and made available for City, community and other external events as a way activating Walyalup Koort into the evenings.

“We’ll also seek expressions of interest from existing local businesses to deliver a pop-up coffee offering to support the ongoing activation of the adjacent playground.

“In the meantime, the City will continue to seek offers from the market to lease the site commercially.”

The Fremantle Visitor Centre offers friendly, impartial advice on all the things to see and do in Fremantle, with free brochure and maps, accessibility information, event guides, free wifi and bike hire.

The Visitor Centre also has a small army of volunteer Fremantle Ambassadors who provide a friendly face and local knowledge to ensure visitors experience the best Fremantle has to offer.

For more information visit the Fremantle Visitor Centre page on the City of Fremantle website, and to find out more about where to stay and what to do in Fremantle go to visitfremantle.com.au.

To learn more about the renewal of Walyalup Koort click here.