One of the State’s most historic places, home to Western Australia’s oldest existing building, will undergo urgent conservation works after the McGowan Government today confirmed $500,000 of funding for the project.
With a matched contribution from the City of Fremantle, the $1 million project will stabilise the Arthur Head cliff face, securing the reserve and protecting the safety of visitors to the area.
The project is part of a larger program of capital works and maintenance projects to help support our economic recovery from COVID-19.
Works to be undertaken include reinforcing the western entry to the Whalers Tunnel, constructing a new rock fall canopy at the western entry and extending the retaining wall on the eastern side of Arthur Head.
Constructed in 1830, the Round House and its clifftop location are listed in the State Register of Heritage Places and host an estimated 100,000 visitors a year which, combined with the age of the building and coastal location, contribute to wear and tear.
Before becoming a museum and popular tourist attraction, the Round House was used as a prison and holding cell in the State’s colonial justice system.
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
“Fremantle is well known for its heritage sites and the Round House is a popular cultural attraction for visitors. I thank the City of Fremantle for their management and care of this valuable State heritage asset and am pleased to confirm funding for conservation works at Arthur Head.
“This investment in stabilisation and maintenance works is critical to ensure our State’s valuable heritage assets are protected and uphold their appeal as tourist destinations.
“The McGowan Government is working to ensure Western Australia’s recovery from COVID-19, and this is one of a number of State Government projects that are creating a pipeline of work for businesses and contractors and generating local job opportunities.”
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
“Our State’s history and registered heritage places such as the Arthur Head precinct, and the Round House are an integral part of Fremantle’s character and attract hundreds of people to visit our city every week.
“Local residents, businesses, visitors and tourists will welcome this funding and the collaboration between the State Government and the City of Fremantle to ensure conservation and protection of the Round House.”
As stated by City of Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt:
“The Round House is an integral part of Fremantle’s character and attracts hundreds of people to visit our city every week.
“Local residents, businesses and visitors will welcome this funding and the collaboration between the State Government and the City of Fremantle to ensure conservation and protection of our built heritage.”
