Numbat no more

Well, for a little longer, at least, it’ll continue to be where it’s been the past 10 years or so since the Belgian artist, ROA, was commissioned by the City of Fremantle to liven up the Henderson Street precinct, opposite the entrance to Fremantle Markets, with a brilliant Numbat mural.

However, the wall, and the Numbat with it, are soon to be demolished to make way for the redevelopment of the Old Spicers site, which currently serves as a carpark. In its place, covering the whole of this site, will be a new art hotel.

A spokesperson for Fiveight, the hotel developer, confirmed to Fremantle Shipping News that the Numbat will be no more in its present form, but will live on in artistic interpretation within the hotel development:

“Belgian street artist ROA was engaged by the City of Fremantle in 2011 when they owned the carpark. Even at that time, it was envisaged this site would be redeveloped and the wall likely demolished at some point in the future.

“Fiveight is committed to exploring ways to reinterpret the numbat mural within our future development of the Spicers site. As such, we have commissioned comprehensive photography to document the work.

“Fiveight is investigating opportunities with local artists, within the extensive public art budget proposed as part of the Spicers development project.”

The Numbat is quite a thing. Have a look at the close up brushwork in this image.

Better still, get along with your friends and family and have a close look for yourself.

With the fencing now up, you can only get so close, but it’s still worth the effort. And take in the Markets and Old Shanghai street foods nearby while you’re there!

If you start wandering Freo’s streets, you’ll discover there’s plenty more street art on show in Freo. Have you spotted Sam Kerr down Norfolk Street?

By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News

While you’re here –