The proposed commercial develop will provide a link between the city and the waterfronts
Ms MacTiernan said a consortium of ING/Lewis Land had been selected as the preferred proponent to develop the land between the Fremantle Railway Station and the waterfront.

She described the proposal as an opportunity to make better use of almost three hectares of currently under-used land in a prime location to provide modern office accommodation as well as cafes, general retail and brand outlet stores.

"The development of the proposed commercial precinct, which is part of the Fremantle Waterfront Project, will be a further step in the revitalisation of the western end of Victoria Quay," Ms MacTiernan said.

"The commercial precinct will be a drawcard for visitors to the Fremantle Waterfront, with flow-on benefits to other attractions on Victoria Quay and for Fremantle's central business district.

"It will also provide Fremantle with much-needed, modern office accommodation which will help attract new business to the area."

"In keeping with the guidelines of the Fremantle Waterfront masterplan, the concept recognises the industrial character and heritage importance of the area.

 An artist's impression of the development viewed from E Shed Markets
"Importantly, it is also compatible with the operational needs of Fremantle's Inner Harbour in its continuing role as a busy working port," the Minister said.

Under the proposal, the developers will lease the land from Fremantle Ports and build approximately 12,000 square metres of retail space, restaurants and cafes, plus a minimum of 4000 square metres of office space as Stage I. The developer will also provide a minimum of 800 car parking bays and refurbish C Shed, the former immigration and information bureau, adjacent amenities building and toilet block as part of the initial development.

Future phases, including increasing the office component by a proposed further 20,000 square metres, will be undertaken subject to market demand.

ING/Lewis Land, an experienced developer of brand outlet centres, will be required to obtain all the necessary development approvals. As part of this process it is anticipated that the developer will undertake detailed public consultation.

Subject to all approvals being obtained, Stage I is expected to be completed in mid-2006.

Proposal 'critical to economic development': Mayor

The site of the proposed commercial precinct development
Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri and Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer John Longley have welcomed the proposal, which Councillor Tagliaferri described as critical to Fremantle's economic development for the next 20 years.

Mayor Tagliaferri said there was a shortage of top quality office space in Fremantle and the office development would have a huge spin-off effect on the economy of Fremantle, bringing lunch-time shoppers to the Fremantle CBD and providing work for a range of local supplier companies.

"I am very excited about this commercial opportunity for Fremantle," he said. "I believe that with good design, this development can draw many more people to Fremantle during the working week and spread the benefits throughout the Fremantle CBD.

The concept seems to be very respectful of the linear form of the waterfront and I have great confidence in the lead architect, Steve Woodland, who delivered our magnificent Maritime Museum."

Matters such as building heights and protecting vistas would need to be considered with the help of the community as part of the approval process, he said.

John Longley also saw the development as being critical to the future prosperity of Fremantle.

"Currently, the city has virtually no new modern commercial office space available," Mr Longley said. "For Fremantle to regain its status as a Regional centre, this situation must be addressed.

"The Commercial Precinct will be a major step forward in resolving this problem and will breathe new life into Fremantle's economy."

'Huge' economic boost anticipated

ING Real Estate Developments Director Greg Boyd said the project would generate about 150 jobs on site during construction, plus flow-on jobs off-site. He anticipated there would be 400 full-time jobs in retail and 1200-plus people working in the corporate office accommodation that was an integral part of the development.

"When you combine this with all the people who will be attracted to use the convenient parking, shops, restaurants and cafes, the economic boost to Fremantle will be huge," Mr Boyd said.

New dimension to waterfront

The proposed commercial Development viewed from B Berth, Victoria Quay
Fremantle Ports Chief Executive Officer, Kerry Sanderson said the proposed Commercial Precinct would bring an exciting new dimension to the waterfront.

"Fremantle Ports is committed to the revitalisation of the western end of Victoria Quay and the commercial precinct will complement other developments which have been completed or are proposed as part of the Fremantle Waterfront masterplan," Ms Sanderson said.

"These include the Maritime Museum and Fremantle Ports' O'Connor landing for ferry services, as well as a new public access road which will be completed by mid 2004."

The Western Australia Maritime Museum, together with the construction of O'Connor Landing for ferry services, were completed in 2002 as the first stages of the masterplan.