Case Studies
Kings Square Cultural Precinct Redevelopment

Design Feature

Type of project
Infrastructure, Placemaking
State
Western Australia
Location
Urban
The Kings Square cultural precinct redevelopment signals a new era for Fremantle. At $250 million+ it’s by far the biggest project ever undertaken by a Fremantle Council and is up there as one of the biggest developments in Fremantle’s history. This once-in-a-generation project will see the heart of Fremantle transformed into a vibrant cultural, community cultural and commercial hub in coming years.
Building a sense of place
The project commenced in mid-2017 following an announcement by former WA Premier Colin Barnett on 10 November 2016 that more than 1500 state government workers will be relocated to Kings Square in 2020. The project involves the coordinated redevelopment of some properties currently owned by the City of Fremantle (the Queensgate building and the Queensgate Carpark), and the former Myer building now owned by Sirona Capital.
The Queensgate building and carpark will be sold to Sirona who will then redevelop all these properties together, including the former Myer building to house 1 500+ state government department workers and other commercial, retail and hospitality tenants. The current City of Fremantle administration building (not including the town hall) will be demolished and a new administration building and community spaces will be built in its place – this will be done by the City. The end result is a coordinated approach to redeveloping the entire Kings Square precinct.
The project will stimulate more activity during the working week, more people that may move to Fremantle to be closer to work in the city centre, provide space for more shops, more money for the local economy, more indirect jobs created, more community events, improved community safety and a better reputation for Fremantle. With more activity, the city centre will be a better place to live in, work in and visit.

The project will create more than 2100 new local jobs for Fremantle once operational – injecting $358 million into the local economy. It will also be a catalyst for more investment in Freo – the more people that want to visit, live and work in Freo, the more attractive it becomes to open new businesses and build new housing options.
Importantly, it will redefine Kings Square as a cultural precinct with a strong sense of place, and above all will become a more attractive place for people via access to improved public open spaces and community facilities.
Project team
  • Sirona Capital
  • City of Fremantle

Project cost
$250 million+
Health value
The benefits of the project will include improved public open spaces and community facilities and a greater activation and vibrancy of the city centre. This will encourage active engagement in a previously underutilised space.
Economic value
Economic benefits of the project stem from the attraction of more residents, workers and shoppers into the city centre. The project will lead to improved retail offers for residents and visitors, increasing economic activity and creating a more vibrant city centre.
Environmental value
The City has a focus on environmental sustainability. In 2009, the City became Western Australia’s first local government to become carbon neutral and in 2015, was endorsed as the world’s second One Planet City by global sustainability organisation Bioregional. The City’s emphasis on environmental responsibility will be reflected in the design features of the development.
Social value
The social benefits of the project will include improved public open spaces and community facilities and a greater activation and vibrancy of the city centre allowing safe social interaction.
Use value
The Kings Square cultural precinct redevelopment will provide:
  • a revamped city square complete with grassed areas, public art and new street furniture
  • a new children’s playground
  • high-quality retail, commercial and hospitality spaces
  • a new state-of-the-art library and visitor centre
  • new City administration building with purpose built indoor and outdoor community spaces and meeting rooms
  • end of trip bike facilities
  • fully accessible toilets with baby change facilities
  • new lighting and CCTV.

Over time the Kings Square cultural precinct redevelopment will be integrated with other urban design projects managed by the City including the enhancements of Queen, Point and Adelaide Streets and a new public space near the Fremantle Train Station.

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