FANCY staying in a boutique hotel where someone was once charged with murder?

Or in a backpackers where prisoners used to squabble over bowls of gruel?

Either could soon be a possibility, as the WA government looks for a buyer to redevelop the old Fremantle police station and courthouse complex on Henderson Street.

The seven-building, 7011 sqm site is on the market for a touch under $6 million, with flexible zoning permitting office, retail, residential and accommodation redevelopment.

REIWA president Hayden Groves says Notre Dame university could be a good fit.

• An aerial view of the old Fremantle police station and courthouse on Henderson Street. Photo supplied

“The heritage listing on the superb courthouse building is warranted but does limit what can be done with it; a boutique hotel perhaps? Legal chambers? A grand home? A funky new bar / restaurant venue?” he says.

“The remaining police station area is a mishmash of historic two level “quarters” and 1970’s concrete jungle. Notre Dame are the obvious buyer as these sections would make great student housing. Or perhaps a hostel/backpackers?”

The historic but asbestos-riddled Henderson Street station closed in May 2013, with the cops relocating to a new station on High Street in the West End.

Buildings range in age from 37 to 115 years old with varying levels of heritage significance.

Mr Groves adds it’s hard to determine an accurate valuation due to the unconventional nature of the property and states it’s a “long-term play”and a unique asset in the port city.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK