An architect paid to provide expert advice to Fremantle council has described plans for Victoria Quay as so “crude” they’re unlikely to attract commercial tenants.

The architect contacted fellow members of the council’s Design Advisory Committee after a briefing by local firm CODA, which had drawn up the plans for the redevelopment of the historic quay. Although they’re paid up to $200 an hour to provide expert advice, the panel members were told not to comment on the presentation.

But the Herald understands that in private discussions there were rumblings of discontent, which prompted the architect to email the three other members. The Herald has obtained a copy of the email.

“The port authority is obviously wanting to generate capital from port land which I fully understand,” it says.

“However, they have chosen a crude, ham-fisted approach and it is debatable if their current proposal would be taken up by the market.

“The quay would be better redeveloped in a way which reflects its unique maritime role. Low-scale maritime education facilities, marine science facilities, testing and research facilities should be considered, not generic commercial buildings.

The architect argues demand for office space in Perth is easing, which would also make filling the quay project difficult.

CODA’s plans include room for 10-storey buildings, with a mix of office space, cafes and car parks.

Fremantle Ports PR flak Ainslie de Vos wouldn’t comment on the criticism.

“The precinct planning process is continuing and as part of this a number of discussions have been held over the past few months with representatives of key agencies, including informal meetings with the mayor and some of the city councillors,” Ms de Vos said.

“We hope to be in a position to brief the Fremantle city council and stakeholder reference groups in August, with community open days to follow.”

The quay’s redevelopment has been in the pipeline since 1997 when work on a waterfront masterplan started. It was adopted in 2000.

In 2005 Dutch-based developer ING proposed a seven-storey commercial complex on the site but it fell through in the wake of the global financial crisis.

The unhappy architect says the current plans over-develop the quay and CODA ramped up the spin by claiming 10-storey buildings will help people orientate themselves around the city: “[It’s] simply justification for height in this locality.”

by CARMELO AMALFI