Norfolk Street Extension (MRS Amendment Request)

UPDATE: The City's recommendation has been forwarded to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, who will review and assess before making a recommendation to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and the Minister for Planning. There is not timeframe for this process, though the City hopes the WAPC will consider it mid-2025. 

The City of Fremantle would like to lodge a formal request with the Western Australian Planning Commission, asking for an amendment to the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS). Specifically, the request proposes a portion of the Parks and Recreation reserve, which includes the site of the Italian Club Fremantle and car parking south of this on Marine Terrace, be re-zoned to the Central City zone under the MRS. A zoning change in the MRS would allow for the City to realise its long-held ambition to extend Norfolk Street across the freight rail line to Mews Road in Fishing Boat Harbour, supported by a diverse mix of community, commercial and residential uses along the southern side.

The integrated redevelopment of the Norfolk Street extension and the site of the Italian Club Fremantle would provide a strategic link between iconic Fremantle attractions, provide an active mixed-use environment, and promote a lively and welcoming pedestrian atmosphere. A potential benefit of mixed-use redevelopment would see the integration of a multi-storey parking facility, under City management, allowing the current at-grade car park to be converted to public open space, extending the size of the Esplanade Reserve.

A corresponding amendment to the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 4 (LPS4) would be necessary to complete this proposal. Indicatively, this amendment may be to a City Centre zone under LPS4, which permits building heights of 2-4 storeys with an additional fifth storey allowable where it is sufficiently set back from the street. An amendment to LPS4 would not be made until a change to the MRS zoning has been successful.

In summary, amending the MRS from the Parks and Recreation reserve to Central City zone will allow for the following opportunities:

• Enhance connectivity between the city and the ocean by extending Norfolk Street to Mews Road.
• Transform existing car parking into additional recreational areas and public open spaces adjacent to Esplanade Park.
• Implement a transformative and city-defining initiative in a key Western Australian tourism and recreation hub.
• Generate employment opportunities during both the project delivery phase and long-term operational phase through the inclusion of additional commercial ventures.
• Stimulate development in the city centre, by facilitating the provision of new housing and increased population diversity, thereby contributing to the permanent population of Fremantle City Centre and supporting local businesses.
• Provide opportunity to revitalise the Italian Club, ensuring its sustained viability by introducing diversified uses and offerings that strengthen its connections to the community.

How can the community influence the project?

We are asking the public to:

• Contribute feedback on the proposal.
• Contribute feedback on the mix of uses, and future activities on the site.
• Provide statements of support for, or against, the proposal.
• Share stories, history, and experiences in the area.
• Suggest additional stakeholders or partners for the City to engage with.

City Officers aim to:

• Keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision.
• Work with you to ensure that your concerns and aspirations are directly reflected in the alternatives developed and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision.

How can you meet with City Officers to discuss this proposal and your feedback?

• 1:1 Meeting: Would you like to meet 1:1 with City Officers to get clarification on the proposal, and how to best submit your feedback? You can request a meeting by emailing communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au. Please note, we'll aim to meet all requests subject to staff availability.
• Attend a drop-in session: Drop-in sessions allow the public to meet with City staff to ask questions about the proposal, seek clarification and guidance on how to best submit feedback. These are informal sessions that allow the public to come and go during the time period provided. To learn more, visit our How We Engage page here.
  
• Join our drop-in session at the following date and time: 
  • Date: 7 August 2024
  • Time: 5-7pm
  • Location: Walyalup Civic Centre
    

How can you make your submission?
Submissions can be submitted online via the submission form below, or:

• By mail:
  PO Box 807
  Fremantle WA 6959
• In person:
  Walyalup Civic Centre
  151 High Street
  Fremantle WA 6160
  
• By email: communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au
  
• Online via the submission form below.
  

A hard copy of the survey can be sent or picked up upon request by emailing the Community Engagement team here: communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au.

Submissions on this item have now closed.