EAST FREMANTLE council’s restoration of its town hall has been nominated for a state heritage award, but in something of a shock for history-rich Fremantle, the city couldn’t muster a single finalist this year.

Heritage minister David Templeman announced the finalists this week, saying their work helped attract new visitors and provided unique heritage tourism experiences.

“The high calibre of this year’s finalists illustrates the exemplary work being undertaken by individuals and organisations working in the heritage sector,” Mr Templeman said.

East Fremantle has been nominated in the category for contributions by a public or private organisation for its overhaul of the hall, which doubles as its admin building.

The hall was designed by prominent architect Joseph F Allen, who later became East Fremantle mayor, and was constructed between 1899-1902. The council had only just broken away from Fremantle, and initially the hall included lodgings for the first town clerk, Horace Hill Parker.

The council has spent $2 million restoring the hall over the past five years, and also spruced up the surrounding buildings. Down Cockburn Way the Woodman Point quarantine station heritage trail was nominated for interpretation projects.

by STEVE GRANT