Italian Club Reno Planned

THE Fremantle Italian Club will be redeveloped and Norfolk Street extended to Mews Road under a MOU passed by the City’s finance, policy, operations and legislation committee.

The memorandum of understanding starts the ball rolling for the City, Club and Fini Group to work exclusively towards the possible redevelopment of the 45-year-old club at 65 Marine Terrace.
Club president Fred Calginari told Freo StreetWise cafes, retail shops, apartments and aged care facilities are some of the ideas under discussion.

The existing club would be demolished and replaced with a four or five-storey building. Importantly, the Norfolk Street extension would link the 6000sqm club site to the Mews Road boat builders site purchased recently by the Bennett family.

It is understood plans for the Bennett site include a six to seven storey development including apartments overlooking Fishing Boat Harbour.

According to the officer’s report to the committee, the City and Italian Club have discussed the proposed development since 2016. In mid-2017, the Club sought to include Fini in the discussions, which include the current size of the venue and retention of the adjoining carpark of 200 bays.

The Council says the potential redevelopment of the Italian Club site is expected to, “unlock the potential of the city as a vibrant and sustainable urban centre”.