FAQ

Master plans offer broad visions for the future, and have been prepared for various parks in the City of Fremantle, to provide a framework for progressively upgrading the landscape and infrastructure. 

The City has a master plan for Princess May Park, prepared in 2004. There have been a number of changes within and next to the reserve that require a review of the plan, including: the refurbishment and expansion of Clancy's Fish Pub, a hotel development immediately adjacent to Princess May Park, relocation of the Film and Television Institute and conservation works to the building in progress, and increasing property redevelopment within the east end.     

This project is also linked to two projects in Freo 2029 Transformational Moves and responds to the changing role of the park as residential and commercial development in Fremantle's east end grows.

The focus of the master plan will be on delivering a more attractive, better used and safer park while conserving its heritage qualities. It will explore options to improve access and connection, heritage conservation and interpretation, lighting, infrastructure for events, play spaces and general amenities such as seating, bike rails, bins and drinking fountains.

In summary, the Princess May Park master plan proposes:

• new public walkways, public art and play features
• improved lighting and infrastructure for occasional markets and events
• new play facilities with a school yard theme
• new pedestrian entry points into the park
• conservation works to the heritage buildings and limestone boundary wall
• new park amenities such as public seats, bike parking, bins and drinking fountains.

Until the 1970s, Princess May Park was used for the Princess May Girls' School and the Fremantle Boys' School and their associated playgrounds and out-buildings. The reserve is listed on the State Hertiage Register and the City's Heritage List. the Princess May Reserve Conservation Plan identifies a conservation policy and actions to conserve the heritage significance of the site. 

Princess May Girls School is currently used by the Fremantle Education Centre for community education and training. The Boys' School is currently vacant and undergoing conservation works. The building was previously used by the Film and Television Institute (WA), who have relocated while the work is being done. Should FTI decide not to move back when the work is completed in 2016, the City will call for expressions of interest to use the building.

Construction is not planned to start yet, we need to resolve the master plan and understand what the community wants to see happen, so that this can inform detailed designs. The final master plan is targeted for completion by end of 2015, and after that point detailed plans for the first stage of work could commence. Realistically that would mean the earliest point for any work to commence would be mid 2016, subject to council budget.

After the engagement period closes on 21 October, we will consider the feedback we've received and review the draft masterplan. Costs and a recommended implementation program will also be developed. 

The finalised masterplan will be presented to council in December 2015 for it to be adopted.