FREMANTLE council has unveiled a new push to commercialise Victoria Quay and link it to a revitalisation of the CBD up to Fremantle Oval.

Dubbed “Ocean to Oval”, the plan has a decidedly republican bent by ditching the monarch’s moniker and reverting to the original name South Quay.

The council will lobby the WA government and private landowner to upgrade under-utilised land in the area, saying it will create more employment opportunities in the city.

The city unveiled its plan at a swanky presentation at the new Coast restaurant (formerly Salt) in North Fremantle last Tuesday night.

• THE biggest cruise ship to ever visit Australia sailed into Fremantle on Tuesday with a traditional water cannon salute and a less traditional overhead welcome from a plane trailing messages. The 168,666-tonne, 348-metre long Ovation of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s fleet and is on its way to its new home port Sydney after stopping off in Singapore to pick up 4600 guests. They’ve had an impressive selection of diversions to keep them occupied on the voyage, including a sky-diving simulator, a 90-metre viewing tower, bumper cars, a circus school, a rock climbing wall and a wave generator for a bit of surfing. Who needs land? Photo courtesy Fremantle Ports

First impression

“South Quay is not only a gateway into Fremantle, but the first impression cruise ship passengers have of WA – which in its current form is a massive temporary carpark and a poor use of prime land which delivers a substandard tourism experience for the 150,000 cruise ship passengers and the local community,” mayor Brad Pettitt said.

“With the cruise ship industry booming and record numbers arriving in Fremantle, including the Ovation of the Seas yesterday, South Quay could become a high-quality integrated commercial and tourism precinct which better connects the passenger terminal to the city centre and leaves a much better impression of Fremantle.

“A city-commissioned independent report has identified the development of South Quay would generate 3700 new jobs and private investment of $3.5 billion. It would also return almost $1 billion to the state over 20 years and could be done regardless of whether Fremantle Port is privatised.

“With state government support, we could also upgrade and develop Fremantle Oval into a premier community and sporting hub which would revamp the area following the closure of Fremantle Hospital’s emergency department and relocation of the Fremantle Football Club.

“This would include a WAFL centre of excellence for grassroots football and year-round activation including community events and festivals.”