Historic Fremantle icon gets million-dollar conservation lift

Historic Fremantle icon gets million-dollar conservation lift
Friday 31 July 2020

$500,000 contribution to Arthur Head conservation project as part of WA Recovery Plan.

One of the State's most historic places, home to Western Australia's oldest existing building, will undergo urgent conservation works after the State 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.

Read the full media statement: Historic Fremantle icon gets million-dollar conservation lift

Page last reviewed 3 February 2021
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