Fremantle hotel and hospitality hub underway

Major property developer Silverleaf has quietly commenced construction of a hotel and hospitality precinct at its historic convict foothold in Fremantle.

The Gerard O’Brien-led developer has commenced construction on the next stage of its plans to redevelop the historic former courthouse, police, and prison lock-up buildings.

About 30-40 workers per day have been busy transforming the corner site into a two-tenancy hospitality hub and 96-room hotel connecting to the The Old Courthouse and Warders Cottages. 

It marks the next stage of development after The Old Courthouse restaurant and bar venue was opened in December 2021 and the refurbished Warders Cottages were reopened in June.

Silverleaf has engaged popular Asian eatery and dumpling house Miss Chow’s to operate a large 360-seat venue at the site bound by Henderson, William, and Parry Streets.

A café named Cassia Cinnamon will also put down roots in the hub, alongside a dining and bar venue attached to the hotel development.

Next month Silverleaf will close the William Street car park to begin construction on the entryway to the hub that Mr O’Brien said would become the “heart of the west end”.

The whole precinct is tipped to open by late 2024. 

“Honestly with the markets here, with all the bits and pieces that have gone on in this area, I reckon this will be the heart of the west end,” Mr O'Brien said.

“This will become the real hub of the heritage precinct, especially linking to the Fremantle Prison.”

The series of building were constructed in the 1850s and underwent a series of upgrades before it was registered as a heritage building in 2003.

A value for the next stage of development is yet to be finalised.

But the City of Fremantle has valued the work at around $35 million.