First thing this morning the long-shared rumour that Nicola Forrest had purchased or was about to buy the derelict-looking Terminus Hotel at the corner of Pakenham and Leake Streets, central Fremantle was confirmed as true.
Business News said long-vacant Fremantle building was purchased for $4.5 million by an entity wholly owned by Nicola Forrest.
The West Australian similarly reported Nicola Forrest has purchased the long-vacant Fremantle Terminus hotel for $4.5 million from the State Government.
The West added that ‘in one of her first solo moves since splitting from husband Andrew Forrest about 18 months ago, Ms Forrest’s newly registered company Coaxial has plans to redevelop and reactivate the historic site.’
The WA Government owned property was put up for sale by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage five months ago. Interested parties were required to outline their vision for the historic site.
No doubt Ms Forrest’s plans will have regard to the building’s history, which is recorded by the Heritage Council of WA in these terms –
Statement of Significance
The place is historically significant as a former hotel representing the development of Fremantle’s Old Port City from the gold boom period of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The place is significant because, when viewed from the street, it is a substantially intact example of a commercial building which contributes to the very significant Old Port City of Fremantle. The place is a significant landmark in the Old Port City of Fremantle.
History
Built 1887 as the Pearlers Hotel, leased 1896 to Swan Brewery, subsequently purchased by same. Alternately known as the Terminus Hotel, and remained as such from 1905. Later the building became various commercial and retail outlets.
Currently (2002), Westport Medical Centre & Homeswest Accommodation.
As to what Ms Forrest’s plans for the Terminus will be will become clear when a development application is lodged in due course. But as her charitable foundation, Coaxial Foundation, is focused on gender equality, early childhood education and development and community wellbeing, her plans may be very interesting, very visionary, and very Fremantle indeed.
Let’s hope so!
By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News
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