Construction of the $270m Kings Square Fremantle renewal project has officially commenced. The project will deliver 25,800sqm of new commercial office and retail space to Fremantle’s CBD ($220m) plus a new administration and civic centre for the City of Fremantle ($50m). This makes Kings Square the largest public-private infrastructure project in Fremantle’s history.
Sirona Capital managing director Matthew McNeilly said their plans for the retail component are exciting and will challenge the conventional thinking of not only retail property in Fremantle but around the entire metropolitan area.
Fremantle Mayor Dr Brad Pettitt said the renewal of Kings Square is the most important project for Fremantle in a generation and will underpin our economic future.
“As well as providing a much-needed boost to the local economy, renewing the Freo city centre will provide fantastic new community and commercial facilities sympathetic to the heritage values of the area and designed with high levels of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. “
“Council’s $50m commitment to deliver a new civic, library and administration building is a direct investment into the future of Fremantle which can be achieved without the need to raise rates above CPI levels and with debt and reserves able to be reinstated within 10 years – this is a great outcome for ratepayers.”
Probuild Western Australia managing director, Sam Delmenico said they expect to see more than 1100 full-time workers involved in building this renewed public space during the 2.5-year project.
“This is a fantastic project and we are proud to inject jobs into the West Australian economy.”
On completion, more than 2000 people will be working in Kings Square, representing a 13% boost in the number of workers in the Fremantle city centre. This will include more than 1500 State Government employees who will relocate to Kings Square Fremantle from early 2020, following fit-out.
Construction of Kings Square Fremantle is expected to be completed in late 2019. State Government agencies will commence occupancy from early 2020.