Round House Conservation Management Plan

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Consultation has concluded. 


We’re preparing a conservation management plan for the Round House, to help guide the future conservation and care of this important place.


Prior to preparing a CMP we asked for your stories, connection and curiosity about the Round House to guide the direction of this work. Your input was an important part of ensuring the heritage values of the Round House are appropriately recognised, assessed and conserved. The Round House building is located on Manjaree (Arthur Head) and the City also consulted specifically with Traditional Owners.



Images courtesy of Fremantle City Library History Centre


What is in the conservation management plan?

The CMP is a large document and also includes appendices and technical reports. To assist you to navigate a few points of interest are included below:

  • Inclusion of history of the site pre-1829 (see pg 21).
  • A proposed revised Statement of Significance (see pg 159) as the existing Statement does not address the broader cultural heritage values of the place to the Western Australian community.
  • Proposed conservation recommendations (see pg 16).
  • Proposed conservation and maintenance schedule (see pg 184).


How can I contribute my thoughts?

Earlier in the year we called on you to help build on the rich stories and existing research already shared about the Round House. We've now prepared a draft conservation management plan and invite your feedback:

  • You can access the CMP online here or in the document library (large file) and share your feedback below; or
  • You can browse a hard copy at the Round House (10.30am to 3.30pm) and complete a submission; or
  • You can browse a copy at the Fremantle History Centre (Library, Fremantle Oval) and complete a submission.


Submit your feedback below or via a hard copy form (available at the Round House or Fremantle Library) by Sunday 8 November 2020.



We’re preparing a conservation management plan for the Round House, to help guide the future conservation and care of this important place.


Prior to preparing a CMP we asked for your stories, connection and curiosity about the Round House to guide the direction of this work. Your input was an important part of ensuring the heritage values of the Round House are appropriately recognised, assessed and conserved. The Round House building is located on Manjaree (Arthur Head) and the City also consulted specifically with Traditional Owners.



Images courtesy of Fremantle City Library History Centre


What is in the conservation management plan?

The CMP is a large document and also includes appendices and technical reports. To assist you to navigate a few points of interest are included below:

  • Inclusion of history of the site pre-1829 (see pg 21).
  • A proposed revised Statement of Significance (see pg 159) as the existing Statement does not address the broader cultural heritage values of the place to the Western Australian community.
  • Proposed conservation recommendations (see pg 16).
  • Proposed conservation and maintenance schedule (see pg 184).


How can I contribute my thoughts?

Earlier in the year we called on you to help build on the rich stories and existing research already shared about the Round House. We've now prepared a draft conservation management plan and invite your feedback:

  • You can access the CMP online here or in the document library (large file) and share your feedback below; or
  • You can browse a hard copy at the Round House (10.30am to 3.30pm) and complete a submission; or
  • You can browse a copy at the Fremantle History Centre (Library, Fremantle Oval) and complete a submission.


Submit your feedback below or via a hard copy form (available at the Round House or Fremantle Library) by Sunday 8 November 2020.


Consultation has concluded. 

  • Recommendations approved

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    At the Ordinary Council Meeting of 28 April 2021, the recommendations in the Round House Conservation Management Plan were approved and the prioritisation of works was endorsed.

    Council also amended the recommendation to note that the City has spent over $4 million dollars on the Round House and Arthur Head precinct over the last decade, and requested that precinct officers continue to advocate for the necessary external funding for the remainder of the works to preserve this historic state landmark.

    Officers will now continue to investigate funding options for implementation of the Plan.

    To view the minutes of this meeting, click here. You can also see the recommendations in the attachments, available here, or on the City's Agendas and Minutes page.

    Thank you for your contribution to this project.

  • Arthur Head updates

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    Application for National Heritage Listing

    Earlier this year an application was submitted for the National Heritage Listing of Arthur Head Reserve which includes Manjaree, Bathers Beach and the Roundhouse. The 2021 applications will now be assessed by Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy and compliant nominations will be given to the Australian Heritage Council for consideration. The Australian Heritage Council will then prepare a priority assessment list for consideration by the Minister.

    There is a very high threshold for entry onto this list and in 2020 only four places from across Australia were selected for assessment. Selected places undergo further investigation plus a period of public comment and consultation with owners and occupiers and Indigenous people with rights or interests in the place. The minister then assesses the final report on the nomination and decides whether to list or not to list the place. This comprehensive process can take several years. If a place is not selected it can be considered again in following years.

    Arthur Head Cliff Stabilisation Works

    In early April contractor Colgan Industries began undertaking works at Arthur Head. This is stage 2 of the cliff stabilisation project, and the intent is to use a light touch to reduce the risk of rock fall while minimising the impact on heritage fabric and values. The extent of the works was investigated by Hocking Heritage Architects (and consultant engineers) in 2018-19 and the project was approved by the Heritage Council of Western Australia in 2020.

    The works will include the construction of small areas of retaining wall at the south-west corner of Arthur Head next to the cycle path and behind the former Gunner’s Cottage together with a new rock fall shelter at the western mouth of the Whalers’ Tunnel and the installation of rock fences, vegetation and path relocation to the base of the south-eastern cliffs. The project is jointly funded by the Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries and the City of Fremantle.

    These works follow on from the Stage 1 conservation of the north eastern cliffs facing Little High Street which were completed earlier this year. Stage 2 is expected to be complete by June 2021.

  • Item to Committee

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    A report about the Round House Conservation Management Plan is going to the Finance, Policy, Operations and Legislation (FPOL) Committee on Wednesday 14 April, along with the final version of the Plan.

    Round House Conservation Management Plan

    The project team assessed the feedback received and have made various amendments, including clarifying and adding to the historical section of the report. We would particularly like to thank local historians and architects who contributed to their time and expertise to comment on the draft report.

    The revised Conservation Management Plan along with a report will be considered for adoption by Committee at the meeting of 14 April 2021. To view the agenda for this meeting, click here or visit the City's Agendas and Minutes page for additional information.

    Attending Committee

    Committee meetings are open to the public. Members of the public are welcome to attend or speak at council or committee meetings and you can find more information on this here. The meeting details are:

    Finance, Policy, Operations and Legislation Committee (FPOL) - Wednesday 14 April 2021, 6.00pm. North Fremantle Community Hall, 2 Thompson Road, North Fremantle.

  • Engagement findings

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    Thank you for your thoughts and comments on the draft Conservation Management Plan. The engagement findings have now been compiled.

    What we heard - a snapshot

    There was an appreciation for the document and recognition that conservation planning for the Round House is much needed. Some respondents expressed concern with the current state of the building and prior conservation works.

    A number of respondents provided clarifications and additions to the plan including additional historical information. Technical advice on the conservation of the building fabric was also received.

    Please download the Community Engagement Report or visit the document library to find out more about what we heard.

    Next steps

    The detailed feedback received will be reviewed by the project team and the CMP amended as needed, before it is finalised. The completed plan will then be presented to Council for adoption as the basis for future planning and conservation. All respondents will be notified once it has progressed.

    The City is also progressing a concurrent project to seek National Heritage Listing of the Round House. A council item regarding this project will be considered by Council in future and all respondents will be notified.

  • Thank you for your contribution!

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    supporting image

    We've compiled the contributions received during phase one of the engagement. These include stories, connections, photographs and other material. These will supplement our existing historical records.

    You can access a snapshot of what we heard by clicking here or visiting the document library.


    Engagement with traditional owners is also ongoing, with an agenda item scheduled for February 2020.

    We look forward to sharing the draft conservation management plan this year and hearing your feedback.


    Image: Fremantle Port Authority

  • We’re seeking your stories, connection and curiosity about the Round House, to help guide the future conservation and care of this important building.

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    Your stories and historical photographs (particularly incidental images) will supplement the City's History collection or may help identify particular aspects of the building fabric which would assist with management and interpretation. Information on your curiosity will help build a picture of what our community and visitors would like to know more about.

    You can:

    • Share your stories or upload information online (below), or
    • Complete a photographic donation form (click here or find in the document library) and drop in to the Fremantle Library 70 Parry Street Fremantle (Fremantle Oval) with your material.

    Submit your stories below or at Fremantle Library by Sunday 22 December 2019.