Fremantle Harbours Master Plan

DoT and the City of Fremantle recognised there was a need for a plan to guide harbour development and reconnect the harbours, port and city centre.

In 2019, DoT began work with the City of Fremantle; the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH); other government agencies; and stakeholder groups to create a renewed vision for the harbours.

In 2020, DoT formed the Fremantle Harbours Activation Master Plan Steering Group. The Steering Group, which included members from the City and DPLH, considered the key issues associated with the development of the harbours and prepared a draft master plan. 

The draft master plan was informed by stakeholder engagement. 
 

In July 2022, the draft master plan was released to the public for feedback. 

The public comment period has closed and the project team is now considering all feedback received.

DoT is preparing an implementation strategy for the master plan, which:

• sets out how they will work with key stakeholders to achieve the vision of the master plan, and
• identifies several priority planning projects - all of which have commenced.

The implementation strategy will be informed by an access plan, harbour design guidelines and investment logic mapping for boat lifting operations.

Fremantle Harbours Access Plan

Access, walkability, and car parking were key themes of stakeholder feedback on the Fremantle Harbours Masterplan.

The Fremantle Harbours Access Plan will aim to develop the best possible transport planning solutions for the harbours. It will identify how DoT can enhance access and walkability to and within the harbours and manage car access and parking to support the masterplan’s vision.

Harbour Design Guidelines

Design guidelines, referencing the new State Planning Policy 7.0 (Design of the Built Environment), will be used to the inform the design and built form of the harbours.

In future, the design guidelines will operate as a decision-making tool for development applications determined by the Western Australian Planning Commission.

Investment Logic Mapping for Boat Lifting Operations

As part of the master plan implementation, boat lifting operations will be relocated within the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.

The relocation will provide the opportunity to ensure the boat lifting operations meet the requirements of current and future users.

DoT is undertaking an Investment Logic Mapping (ILM) process to inform the relocation of the boat lifting operations.

An ILM is a process that clearly and systematically establishes and outlines the rationale behind an investment decision and the desired benefits to be achieved.

The ILM will result in a visual representation of the key factors that are considered when evaluating an investment opportunity and will help ensure that all relevant information is considered in the decision-making process.

DoT conducted technical investigations and extensive consultation with harbour tenants, users, and the City of Fremantle to inform and refine the draft master plan. 

In July 2022, DoT released the draft master plan to the public for feedback on the My Say Transport website and held a drop in information session. 
 

What area does the draft master plan cover?

The draft master plan includes the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and Challenger and Success Harbours. It also considers the adjacent Esplanade Park, Bathers Beach, the rail line and Fremantle Port, as well as nearby residential and commercial development.

What is proposed to make the waterfront more accessible?

The master plan identifies opportunities to make the waterfront more accessible by:

• Introducing two-way access at Wardan Lane so Mews Road can be used for events and activities without impacting access to the working boat harbour. 
• Extending Norfolk Street directly into Mews Road at the southern end, opening a view corridor straight to the water and significantly improving wayfinding.
• Closing the Arundel Street entrance, reducing traffic along The Esplanade and limiting conflict points for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Creating more facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and alternative transport modes
• An opportunity to re-route the CAT bus right into the waterfront.

What is proposed to make the waterfront livelier?

By changing the road access points, Mews Road between Norfolk Street and Wardan Lane can be closed and used for events and activities. This space will be pedestrian-focused, reflecting cosmopolitan waterfront precincts around the world. 

New plazas and park lands will be developed both along the water and tucked in behind buildings for those days when the ‘Fremantle Doctor’ is a little bit chilling. 

The draft master plan envisages new land parcels that will be developed over the next 40 years that will bring people and life back to the water. New development will allow for accommodation in a mixed-use setting to bring people into the area night and day.

How does the plan better link the city centre and port to the harbours?

The draft master plan identifies opportunities to link Bathers Beach to the port, and Norfolk Street and The Esplanade to the city centre by improving public spaces and pedestrian walkways, enhancing safety and creating better visibility and views to the water.

Who will be responsible for implementing and funding the projects and changes proposed in the master plan?

DoT manages the Fremantle Fishing Boat, Challenger and Success Harbours and will lead the implementation of the final master plan. The City of Fremantle will also play an important role in implementation, particularly in areas outside DoT’s management. 

The final master plan will be used to guide the preparation of business cases to inform future capital works projects. 

Some projects and upgrades specified in the master plan may be funded by different parties, depending on land ownership and management details.
 

To find out more or sign up for project updates, email the project team at Fremantleharboursmasterplan@transport.wa.gov.au