Developers have submitted plans for the empty Hungry Jack’s site in central Fremantle for public comment.
A multimillion-dollar sports bar planned for the heart of Fremantle has been temporarily halted as developers and city officials negotiate changes to its approved design. The proposal, which involves transforming the former Hungry Jack’s site at the corner of South Terrace and Essex Street into a $6.5 million sports bar, was initially approved in 2023 by the Metro Inner-South Joint Development Assessment Panel.
The project, spearheaded by the national pub chain Signature Hospitality Group (SHG), envisioned a “stadium experience” featuring a main bar, restaurant, brewery, theatre, open-air silos, terraced seating, and an accessible rooftop. However, a revised design presented at the City of Fremantle’s September 24 meeting included significant alterations, such as the removal of a basement and balcony, an extended ground floor awning, and a slight reduction in the building’s height. These changes have reduced the overall bar area from about 898 square meters to approximately 750 square meters, alongside new facade treatments.
Design and Heritage Concerns
City staff recommended rejecting the alterations, arguing that the modifications compromised the “higher quality design and architectural features” of the initial plan, potentially clashing with the area’s heritage character. Despite this, the council voted 7-3 in favor of Councillor Andrew Sullivan’s motion to pause the project for further design consideration.
In its amendment application, SHG cited uncontrollable factors, such as increased construction costs, as reasons for the proposed changes. Sam Fisher, representing SHG at the council meeting, emphasized the company’s commitment to Fremantle despite financial challenges.
“We’ve had ongoing consultation with the planning department to ensure our amendment does not jeopardize the heritage fabric of the space,” Fisher stated. “We still believe in it. We’re here for a long-term tenure as well.”
Community and Council Reactions
Councillor Sullivan noted that the site had long been vacant or housed inadequate buildings, suggesting that the proposed tavern would improve the area. He downplayed the necessity of a two-story verandah, comparing the site to neighboring structures.
“Where Old Papa’s was, it only ever had a single-storey verandah,” Sullivan remarked. “If you look over the road at Metros, it has essentially a single-storey space.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Geoff Graham expressed optimism about the site’s potential, citing the popularity of Fremantle’s entertainment venues. He suggested that SHG’s long-term investment would eventually pay off.
“I’m desperate to see this site get developed,” Graham said. “I was really happy to support the original design because it tied in beautifully with Sail and Anchor and other buildings of that scale along the cappuccino strip.”
Future Prospects and Challenges
Despite the enthusiasm, Councillor Jemima Williamson-Wong voiced concerns about the quality of materials in the revised design, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the amendments as a new application.
“I appreciate that we want development in Fremantle, but the plans we have in front of us are not a great outcome for that site,” she commented.
Similarly, Councillor Ingrid van Dorssen expressed disappointment with the changes but supported giving the developers more time to refine their plans.
As the debate continues, the future of the Fremantle tavern remains uncertain. The decision to pause the project reflects a broader tension between development ambitions and preserving the city’s unique character. The outcome will likely influence future projects in the area, setting a precedent for balancing modern development with heritage preservation.
