STEEP rent rises, traders being pushed around and now a bid for a five-storey redevelopment—there’s a lot happening in Fremantle’s Atwell Arcade.
The heritage-listed building was bought last year by developer Gerard O’Brien, who also owns the Target building and has been on a bit of a CBD buying spree of late.
His company Siverleaf Investments has lodged an application with the council to redevelop the site into offices, shops and a restaurant, including five storeys along Cantonment Street.
On Tuesday Fremantle council held a community information session which had a steady stream of ratepayers poring over the drawings. Most criticised the plans as too big and bulky, although the council wasn’t taking submissions on the night.
Former council architectural adviser Linley Lutton says planning rules only give the council discretion to approve a fourth storey but the developer’s architects appear to be looking for wriggle room to get the extra floor, taking the building to 21.4 metres in height.
• The heritage-listed Atwell Arcade back in the 60s. Photo supplied | Fremantle Local History Collection
“An examination of the proponent’s drawings suggest they are attempting to mount an argument, which is probably being explored by council officers, to justify the claim for extra height on the basis that there are taller building elements in the district,” he says.
He was critical of the building’s appearance, describing it as “mediocre, every-day design”.
“The proposed development, at 21.4m, will always appear to be an abrupt and inappropriate built form dominating Market Street.”
Meanwhile, shop owners in the arcade tell the Herald they’re unhappy with the pressure and uncertainty that’s arrived with the redevelopment plans.
No-one would be named for fear of upsetting the landlord, but one notes that across the mall rents have been lowered in an attempt to attract new tenants, while they’ve been hit with a big hike.
Another is unhappy with her treatment, saying she feels like she is being pressured to accept everything put before her and any complaints are simply dismissed.
by STEVE GRANT