Fremantle Markets Business Plan

Fremantle Markets - History

The Fremantle Markets is a collection of vibrant shops, stalls and entertainment, ranging from fresh produce, food and beverage, to crafts, gifts and buskers, providing a cultural experience rich in history and tradition.
The Fremantle Markets have become an icon in the Western Australian tourism landscape and remain one of the most visited and well known attractions in the State.
Sir John Forest laid the foundation stone on Saturday 6 November 1897. Since this time, the Fremantle Markets have developed a unique and vibrant identity. With a wide ethnic base built over many years of immigration, the markets not only play an important role in perpetuating WA's heritage and tradition but offer a fantastic atmosphere and engaging display of cultural richness.

In June 2008 the City of Fremantle entered into a lease with Fremantle Markets Pty Ltd (FMPL) for the property located at 74 South Terrace known as the Fremantle Markets. The lease was for a period of 18 years and 4 months. The lease is now reaching the end of its term and the City is proposing to enter into a new lease with FMPL for a further 10 years with two further terms (options) of 5 years and 5 years (a 20 year term in total). Pending council approval of the proposed terms it is intended that the current lease would be rescinded and new lease terms brought into effect within the 2023 calendar year. The terms of the proposed disposal as outlined in the business plan constitute a major land transaction as defined in the Local Government Act 1995 (Act).

Fremantle Markets Business Plan - Overview

Under the terms of the Local Government Act 1995, a local government is required to develop and advertise a business plan if a proposed disposal of property is considered a major land transaction under the act.

A disposal of property is considered as a major land transaction if the consideration under the transaction, together with anything done by the local government for achieving the purpose of the transaction, is more than either —

(i) $10 000 000; or
(ii) 10% of the operating expenditure incurred by the local government from its municipal fund in the last completed financial year, which in the case of the City and the expenditure from its municipal fund in FY21-22, is an amount of $8,119,514.

Before entering into a Major Land Transaction the Council must first prepare a Business Plan, advertise the availability of the Business Plan for comment and then consider any submissions received in relation to the proposed transaction.

Where can I access the Fremantle Markets Business Plan?
This business plan is available here and provides the details of the proposed disposal and invites submissions from the community via the submission form below.

How can you make your submission?
Submissions can be submitted

• By Mail
  PO Box 807
  Fremantle WA 6959
• In Person
  Walyalup Civic Centre
  151 High Street
  Fremantle WA 6160
• By email - info@fremantle.wa.gov.au
• Online via the submission form below

Submissions closed at 5pm Friday, 14 July 2023.