Victoria Quay overhaul for liners
With more cruise ships coming to Fremantle this year than ever before, plans are under way to spruce up Victoria Quay into a vibrant restaurant, cafe and retail precinct.
A proposal to develop a commercial precinct on the quay - from the train station to the waterfront and from the Fremantle Passenger Terminal to E-Shed - is before the State Planning Commission for approval.
Once that is granted, Fremantle Ports intends to offer the plan to a private developer through an expressions-of- interest process.
The Fremantle Ports annual report tabled in State Parliament recently says the development will add vitality, attractiveness and interest to the western end of the quay.
It would also guide the future development of adjacent Public Transport Authority and City of Fremantle land and provide a connection to the Fremantle central business district.
The report said the precinct planners considered issues including urban design, transport and traffic, heritage and environmental as well as cultural issues.
"On Victoria Quay, there is excellent scope for activation at ground level with uses such as retail, cafes and restaurants," the report said.
"In relation to the Victoria Quay's planning component, an important consideration is to ensure economically sustainable development opportunities that will attract investment.
"The development of high-level enabling plans will give both the public and private sectors greater confidence in proceeding with future development proposals for the areas concerned."
The report said the harbour expected to welcome 44 cruise ships in 2014-15, up from 31 in 2013-14 and 17 in 2012-13.
Last year, this equated to 60,592 passengers and 19,249 crew.
"The sustainability of cruise lines using Fremantle as a turnaround port is becoming more of a reality, with the Sun Princess, Astor, Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Sea and Celebrity Solstice all undertaking full turnarounds during the season," the report said.
The Queen Mary 2 is due in port in April.
