THERE was plenty of fanfare and back-slapping as East Fremantle mayor Herbert Locke and Fremantle mayor Frank Gibson shared the honour of opening the stylishly new Richmond Picture Theatre in 1934.
A lot has happened at the Canning Highway site next to East Freo council chambers in the intervening years, and the old theatre has long disappeared.
Rising from the ashes of the older building is one that is pure 21 century style, with a few nods to the area’s heritage in materials such as raw brick and timber shutters.
Set over three complexes the landmark Richmond Quarter is the hope of many, including those on council, to create a town centre and spur an economic boom for the area.
Set in the Richmond precinct, the ground floor is commercial, with a number of businesses already moved in, and part of one building is a hotel, with long- and short-term apartments.
A cafe is set to go on the sweeping podium level concourse, with its stylish artwork and gardens, and the restaurant/bar on the top storey is going gangbusters with bookings already into next year.
In the quieter residential areas quite a few owners have taken up residence already.
But there are a few still on the market and Acton real estate agent Brad Raynor gave the Herald a guided tour last week.
There’s a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, including a couple with the option for one of the bedrooms to be left open as an extra sitting area.
Sleek and modern, each unit is similar but not quite the same.
Crisp white walls and stone benchtops in the kitchen are offset by cream carpets in the living areas of some of the apartments and golden bamboo floors in others.
And they all have something promised by government – high speed NBN broadband.
Smeg appliances can be found in all the well-designed kitchens and all have generous balconies for alfresco dining – some overlooking East Fremantle oval and the leafy golf course, while a couple face the highway.
Traffic noise isn’t a problem as the agent demonstrated. As the door closed it was if the mute button had been pushed.
Richmond Quarter is walking distance to the river and George Street shopping/cafe strip. Or jump on a bus on Canning Highway for a very short trip to Fremantle and the train station.
by JENNY D’ANGER
Richmond Quarter
Canning Highway, East Fremantle
between $560,000 – $675,000.
Brad Raynor
0414 425 338
Glenn O’Connor-Smith
0413 545 044
Acton Fremantle
9386 1808
