SIXTY-FIVE architects and designers have proposed a greener, more connected future for Fremantle’s waterfront, including nearly 2000 homes at North Fremantle, a new harbour bridge and public swimming spaces.
The speculative designs, developed by Architectus for its 18th annual Design Charrette, explore how more than 220 hectares of waterfront could evolve into a more liveable and climate-resilient part of the city.
Architectus principal and public sector leader David Karotkin said the three-day design sprint had produced a series of ideas under the banner The New Backyard, with a focus on connecting people with the river, coast and each other.
• A new vision for North Fremantle, with a soft meeting between beach and development
The four sites examined were Rous Head, North Fremantle, Victoria Quay and Leeuwin Barracks.
At Rous Head, the proposals include a climate-responsive neighbourhood incorporating wind, solar and tidal technologies, alongside a renewable energy hub and research institute.
North Fremantle could accommodate nearly 2000 dwellings in a green, transit-connected community, with proposed light rail forming part of the concept.
Victoria Quay could gain a landscaped public space the size of a football oval above the vehicle holding area, alongside a pedestrian bridge, heritage market and rooftop sky garden.
• No new towers, but a bridge (not shown here) to link Victoria Quay and North Fremantle
At Leeuwin Barracks, the designs envisage public and private housing opening onto the Swan River, with bathing pontoons and walking and cycling paths.
Mr Karotkin said the teams worked independently, with Future of Fremantle material included in their briefing packs, rather than following a predetermined master plan.
“Across all the schemes, there was a strong focus on how future occupants could have a strong connection to outdoor spaces and the water. There were swimming spaces and opportunities to bring people and buildings closer to the water’s edge,” he said.
“For example, once the industry is removed from the harbour, the existing safety buffer zone could be eliminated, allowing people and buildings to get closer to the water.”
• (above) landscaped canals and rowing at Rous Head while kayakers and round pontoons (bottom) could help link Leeuwin Barracks with the Swan.
Mr Karotkin said the designs sought to avoid simply packing waterfront sites with high-rise towers, instead reflecting Fremantle’s established port-city character, where housing, workplaces, warehouses and light industry were integrated.
One idea he particularly welcomed was a pedestrian and cyclist bridge across the harbour, aligned with Market Street to connect Rous Head and North Fremantle with the city centre, South Terrace and the Cappuccino Strip.
The proposals are speculative and are not specific project advocacy, Mr Karotkin said. Their immediate purpose was to get ideas into the public domain and start a conversation about the future of the waterfront.
“It’s an invitation for people to think big,” he said.
by STEVE GRANT