Today, the first sod was turned to mark the commencement of works on site for the first stage of development of the high-quality Knutsford residential precinct in Fremantle.

LandCorp Chief Executive Ross Holt, City of Fremantle Deputy Mayor Josh Wilson and Michael Patroni, director of Fremantle based architectural practice spaceagency, marked the announcement on site today.

Knutsford is being developed by the Knutsford Joint Venture* in partnership with LandCorp and the 1.6ha former industrial site is one of the largest residential developments to be undertaken in Fremantle in recent years.

Stage 1 will include approximately 70 dwellings, building on Fremantle’s character and identity, whilst integrating with the surrounding residential community.

Mr Holt said Knutsford represented a good example of an urban infill project and demonstrates how the State Government is working closely with the private sector to bring forward land to accommodate Perth’s growing population.

‘It is a long term redevelopment project in consultation with the City of Fremantle and the area will become an integral part of the local community through sustainable urban design and contemporary architecture.’

Michael Patroni has lived and worked in Fremantle for 25 years and is responsible for the architectural design of Knutsford. Mr Patroni had a clear vision when working on the architectural design for the overall precinct.

‘The primary ambition for Knutsford is to integrate it with the amenity and identity of the City of Fremantle, a place that has seen significant growth and change over its 200 year long history,’ said MrPatroni.

‘We have carefully taken note of the underlying patterns of the area and will create a new generation of housing that honours the history of the area and reinforces the urban, social and commercial vibrancy of the city.’

City of Fremantle Deputy Mayor Josh Wilson, said the turning of the first sod at Knutsford represents a significant and exciting milestone for the City of Fremantle.

‘Fremantle is currently going through a wide-ranging and strategic revitalisation aimed at growing our City and fostering greater innovation and diversity,’ said Deputy Mayor Wilson.

‘Along with a variety of other measures undertaken by council to enhance Fremantle’s city centre, the transformation of the Knutsford Street area into a vibrant, contemporary and sustainable residential and mixed-use precinct will bring considerable benefits to the local community.’

Adrian Fini, Director FJM Property, notes initial interest in Knutsford has been strong and the joint venture has received positive feedback in response to the proposed development.

‘There appears to be strong interest in the project from the surrounding local community, as well as the broader Perth population, and the joint venture partners are committed to delivering a quality residential development for the City of Fremantle,’ said MrFini.

Residential homes in Stage 1 are expected to range in price from approximately $400,000 up to $1,000,000. A selection of housing types will be available including two-storey homes, terrace houses, flexible live/work options and apartments.

Knutsford is close to existing parks, reserves, transport links, schools and is only a ten minute walk from the Fremantle café strip.

Interested parties are encouraged to click here to register for further information

*The Knutsford Joint Venture comprises FJM Property, Georgiou Capital and Mainpart Holdings. GMPM is project managing the delivery of Stage 1 on behalf of the joint venture.