Better connectivity for Freo's waterfront

An extension of Norfolk Street through to Mews Road to allow better connectivity between Fremantle’s city centre and the waterfront is a step closer.

The City of Fremantle Finance, Policy, Operations and Legislation Committee (FPOL) agreed to prepare a submission to the Western Australia Planning Committee (WAPC) to rezone the site.

The rezoning will enable the road extension as well as plans for a potential redevelopment of the Fremantle Italian Club which sits within the site.

The extension is key to improving the connectivity between the city centre and the Fishing Boat Harbour.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the extension would create a better connection to Fremantle’s waterfront and create opportunities to expand on Fremantle’s tourism, commercial and residential offerings. 

“The project would open opportunities to improve the use of land in a prime location within the heart of Fremantle,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said. 

“It would see Esplanade Reserve increase in size by more than 4,500sqm to add to our public green spaces. 

“It would also create space for a new mixed-use precinct based around a redeveloped Fremantle Italian Club, potentially including residential development to support more people living in our inner city.”

“The Fremantle Italian Club is a local institution that does so much to bring together our community,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“A redevelopment of the club would reinvigorate this precinct and provide opportunities to cater for more of the community to ensure the club’s long-term viability.

“The redevelopment would also include a new public car park and could possibly be decked to increase the number of bays.

The road extension would see Norfolk Street become the primary entrance to the harbour, with the Mews Road crossing to Marine Terrace closed off. 

“The Norfolk Street extension would allow better access for vehicles, while the increase in size to Esplanade Reserve would allow for improved bicycle and pedestrian pathways to connect to the waterfront,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

The Norfolk Street extension was also reflected in the Department of Transport’s draft Fremantle Harbours Master Plan, which was released in September 2022.

“It’s pleasing to see this improved connectivity reflected in the state government’s draft master plan for the precinct,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“Seeking WAPC approval for the road extension and rezoning is the first step in enhancing the connectivity between the city centre and the waterfront, with more planning and community consultation to come to ensure we get these important changes right for Fremantle’s future.”

Officers will now prepare a request for the WAPC to rezone the site to enable the Norfolk Street extension and will report back to FPOL with the next steps following a decision. 

The Norfolk Street extension has been a long-held priority and was highlighted in the City’s ‘Freo 2029 – Transformational Moves’ strategy published in 2015, which outlined five key projects to enhance Fremantle’s future.

Read more about the project at fremantle.wa.gov.au/freo2029.