FREMANTLE council has moved to the next stage of its $220 million Kings Square redevelopment and is preparing a masterplan to connect the precinct with other key areas of the city.

It follows the Barnett government choosing Sirona Capital to negotiate over moving WA’s housing department to the square (“Kings Square breakthrough,” Herald, August 6, 2016).

The masterplan includes a new city square outside the Fremantle train station, upgrades to Queen, Adelaide and Point streets, and a northern gateway at the intersection of Queen Victoria and Parry streets.

Upgrades will include better roads and footpaths, new street furniture, bike lanes, hard and soft landscaping, public art, lighting and CCTV.

“The project has always been seen by council as a way to reconnect public spaces in central Fremantle which have become disconnected from the city centre over several decades,” acting mayor Dave Coggin said.

“The current work is focused on how best to upgrade surrounding areas which flow towards Kings Square to ensure the entire city centre is well-connected and a more attractive place for visitors, workers and businesses.”

The masterplan also includes Pioneer and Princess May parks.

A draft will be developed over the next few months and presented back to council prior to being released for public comment early next year.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK