Developers have submitted plans for the empty Hungry Jack’s site in central Fremantle for public comment.
A proposed multimillion-dollar sports bar in Fremantle has been temporarily shelved as developers grapple with design modifications and escalating costs. The project, planned by Signature Hospitality Group (SHG) to transform the former Hungry Jack’s site on South Terrace and Essex Street, was initially approved in 2023 but now faces significant alterations.
The Metro Inner-South Joint Development Assessment Panel had unanimously given the green light to the $6.5 million venture, envisioning a “stadium experience” complete with a main bar, restaurant, brewery, theatre, open-air silos, terraced seating, and a rooftop. However, recent design changes presented at a City of Fremantle meeting on September 24 have prompted a pause in the project.
Design Modifications and Council Response
The revised plans include the removal of a basement and balcony on South Terrace and Essex Street, an extended ground-floor awning, and a slight reduction in the building’s height. These changes also shrink the overall bar area from approximately 898 square meters to about 750 square meters, alongside new brick colors and facade treatments.
Despite city staff recommending refusal of these alterations, the council voted 7-3 in favor of Cr Andrew Sullivan’s motion to delay the project for further design consideration. A council report expressed concerns that the revised plans lacked the “higher quality design and architectural features” of the original proposal, potentially clashing with the area’s heritage character.
Developer’s Perspective and Financial Challenges
SHG has cited increased construction costs as a significant hurdle. Speaking at the council meeting, SHG representative Sam Fisher emphasized the company’s commitment to Fremantle, stating, “We’ve had ongoing consultation with the planning department to ensure our amendment respects the heritage fabric of the space while delivering a viable project.”
“We still believe in it. We’re here for a long-term tenure as well. We see this as a very long-term play and it’s a piece of amenity for the municipality,” Fisher added.
Cr Sullivan highlighted the site’s prolonged vacancy and inadequate structures, advocating for the tavern as a superior alternative. He noted that a two-storey verandah, while desirable, was not a planning necessity.
Community and Council Opinions
Cr Geoff Graham expressed optimism about the project’s potential, citing the popularity of Fremantle’s entertainment venues. “We were at Mons on Friday night, you can’t move. You can’t move at the Synagogue. You can’t move at Sail and Anchor,” he remarked, emphasizing the site’s potential as a community asset.
Conversely, Cr Jemima Williamson-Wong voiced concerns over the revised design’s quality, arguing that the council should consider the development as a new application. “In looking at an amendment to a development application, we should be looking at it as if it’s a development application that is coming to us fresh,” she stated.
Cr Ingrid van Dorssen, while disappointed with the changes, supported giving the developers more time to refine their plans.
Looking Ahead
The delay in the Fremantle sports bar project underscores the challenges faced by developers in balancing design aspirations with financial realities. As SHG revisits its plans, the community remains hopeful for a development that enhances Fremantle’s vibrant cultural landscape while respecting its historical context.
The next steps for SHG involve addressing the council’s concerns and potentially revising their design to align with both financial constraints and community expectations. As Fremantle continues to evolve, the outcome of this project will likely serve as a benchmark for future developments in the area.
