Sunset Events has been given the go-ahead by the City of Fremantle to develop the J-Shed area at Arthur Head into a concert venue, despite considerable community opposition to the plan.
The City of Fremantle said it had reached preliminary agreement with Sunset Events for a 21-year lease at the J-Shed, with the events promoter set to establish a craft brewing and food operation with a strong emphasis on live music and other arts-related activities.
The venue will have a maximum capacity of 400 during normal operations, but the lease allows Sunset Events to host 1,500 punters for 12 ticketed events per year.
The proposal has attracted significant opposition from Fremantle residents, with 200 attending a town hall meeting last week to discuss the plan.
Most were concerned over the size of the venue and the impact on local buildings from loud noise.
Residents who attended the meeting said they preferred a small bar be developed at the site, with a capacity of 120 people.
City of Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt nevertheless said he was confident the council had made the correct decision in awarding the lease to Sunset Events.
“We conducted extensive community consultation throughout the process, receiving input from a diverse group, not just the local community, but people from the surrounding areas who frequently visit and call Fremantle home,” Mr Pettitt said.
Under the agreement, the council will develop a memorandum of understanding with Sunset Events to ensure the venue is committed to growing the arts and creative industries, and would also encourage responsible drinking and a more cultured approach of consuming alcohol with food.
Mr Pettitt said the city would now finalise the lease agreement, which would then allow Sunset Events to seek development approvals and a liquor licence.
Construction is expected to commence about two years after the lease has been signed.
