The City of Fremantle Has welcomed the state government announcement that will result in Fremantle’s 150-year-old Henderson Street Warders’ Cottages benefiting from conservation and maintenance work after remaining unused and derelict since 2011.
A $4 million state government Heritage Revolving Fund, of which $2 million has been allocated specifically to the cottages’ restoration, will fund the revitalisation.
Fremantle Deputy Mayor Josh Wilson said the council had been calling for a creative solution for some time and the Fremantle community would welcome the commitment of funds to overdue maintenance.
“The City has been a relentless and constructive advocate for these precious but neglected buildings, and we’re pleased the WA government has taken this important step in the right direction.
“The City hopes the provision of $2 million will prove the viability of conservation and adaptive re-use, and that more substantial funds provided under this program in future will enable all the cottages to be restored and returned to active use as quickly as possible.”
The cottages, built in the 1850s, were originally used to house warders of Fremantle’s World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison and are a highly visible link to the port city’s unique heritage.
They were purchased by the Department of Housing in 1991 and used as public housing until 2011, after which the cottages were deemed unsuitable for tenants.
“These cottages have enormous historical and heritage significance for all West Australian’s and we look forward to working with other key stakeholders to ensure the cottages are restored to their full potential.”
