City to review options for South Beach changerooms design

Fremantle Council has voted to reject the two tenders submitted to build the new South Beach toilet and changerooms due to the amount being significantly above cost estimates and approved budget.

Instead, City officers will review the building design to address affordability as well as investigate alternative construction methods and materials. The City will then return to the market to attain a value for money proposal.

City of Fremantle CEO Glen Dougall said that where possible, the City will attempt to keep the project build time to the current delivery forecast.

“The South Beach Reference Group gave the City comprehensive feedback throughout the design process of the changerooms with the result that the new facility was designed to provide flexible, accessible spaces that cater for multiple users,” Mr Dougall said.

“South Beach will still get a great facility, but we need to re-look at the design and construction methods and seek further independent cost estimates in a building environment where materials cost significantly more than the original estimates.”

Mr Dougall said that Council understood this potential delay will be frustrating for many South Beach users. 

“We have also listened to their concerns about the current temporary facilities,” he said.

“As a result of this feedback, the City is investigating the option of improving the showers and providing interim changing facilities.”

The City’s current temporary toilets and changerooms have been sited in close proximity to the café and to avoid future conflict with the proposed construction works.