THE empty Sailing for Oranges site on Fremantle’s Cappuccino Strip will be transformed into markets, workshops, performances and community events this summer with SpaceMRKT getting access to temporarily activate the site.
It adds to SpaceMRKT’s presence on the strip after its take-over of the Hungry Jacks property, though plans for that to be a youth space have had to be wound back to a “community space”.
SpaceMRKT founder Sarah Booth said the group wanted to turn the empty properties, which had been prepared for demolition, into welcoming spaces for locals and visitors.
• SpaceMRKT’s Sarah Booth and Llewellyn Reyes ready to open the doors to the old Sailing for Oranges site.
“We want to turn both sites from nothing into something,” she said.
Plans include large markets, pop-up activities, acoustic gigs and performances, with Ms Booth imagining a flamenco band and dancers performing at the Sailing for Oranges site.
The neighbouring Hungry Jack’s building is expected to host art, music and creative workshops for young people over summer.
The former Hungry Jack’s site has had its water restored, with electrical work under way. SpaceMRKT hopes to begin activities there in November, while the Sailing for Oranges site still needs further work on its power and water services.
Ms Booth said the City of Fremantle had been supportive, including plans to pressure-wash the frontage after volunteers helped clear weeds and clean up the site.
Safety
She said bringing activity back to the vacant properties would help improve safety in the city centre.
“When you’ve got this much vacancy right in the middle of the city, and obviously there’s a lot of social challenges in the city at the moment, when you’ve got people, eyes on the street, life happening, it allows that to become like a healthier social space,” she said.
SpaceMRKT is encouraging market organisers, artists and community groups to use the properties, as well as urging other owners along the Cappuccino Strip to consider temporary activations over summer.
Ms Booth said affordable access was central to the group’s approach.
“We always do: We meet people where they’re at, so it will always be affordable and easy to access,” she said.
The takeover is temporary, with SpaceMRKT expecting to use the sites over summer while their longer-term future remains uncertain.
Ms Booth organised a walk-through of both buildings, which is Friday 4-5pm if you’ve got an early Herald and an interest in having a look.
“We want everyone to come down, even if it’s just to come have a sticky beak.”