Historic former school site in central Fremantle on the market
A series of historic buildings that make up an entire street block in the city of Fremantle – and which was most recently home to the Fremantle Technical School – has hit the market.
The West Australian government has decided to sell the 2444-square-metre property that includes the former Fremantle Technical School and Victorian-style Infant and Girls’ School, and borders South Terrace, Essex Street, Norfolk Street and Norfolk Lane. Situated directly opposite the Fremantle Markets, it ceased operating as an educational facility in 2001.
The Federation-style technical building was erected in 1913, while the limestone school was built in 1878. Both buildings are heritage-listed and conservation work was recently completed in the lead-up to the sale.
According to the heritage listing notification for the property, the former infants and girls’ school is significant for its representation of “the establishment of colonial schools in Western Australia, from the 1850s to the 1870s”.
The site is being sold by LJ Hooker Commercial Perth’s Brian Neo and Vincent Siciliano, and as part of the expressions of interest campaign prospective buyers will need to demonstrate that “heritage values are retained and demonstrate they are able to work sympathetically with the site’s century-old character,” according to WA Lands Minister Ben Wyatt.
There were many potential uses for the property because of its large size and the inclusion of two separate buildings, said Mr Neo, who declined to provide a price guide.
“Groups have been looking at it because it’s such a large property with two components. A lot of people have considered a food-and-beverage offering for the old girls’ school, and uses for the old technical school could include a potential training school, hotel operation, offices. In addition the excess land in the car park could potentially be used for apartments,” Mr Neo said.
The site’s current zoning allows for use by educational, medical and healthcare, professional and creative industries.
“We have seen a number of great developments and places revitalise Fremantle recently including the National Hotel renovations, the opening of the Arbor and Old Synagogue and the impending completion of the Kings Square redevelopment,” the state MP for Fremantle, Simone McGurk, said.
Other heritage divestments made by the WA government in recent years include the $5 million sale of the Perth Girls’ School in East Perth to a syndicate of local investors in 2017.
Mr Siciliano said he was expecting interest from local and overseas investors.
“Rarely does an asset of this size, proximity to amenities and historic character come to market. We’re expecting Fremantle’s profile will generate significant interest locally, domestically and also from overseas investors,” he said.
The site is considered a local landmark, according to Mr Neo, and is on one of the city’s busiest dining strips.
“Situated on a single title on the ‘cappuccino strip,’ the buildings are within a thriving precinct frequented by locals and tourists and well serviced by public transport.”
41 South Terrace, Fremantle is for sale via expressions of interest closing March 4.
