Western Australia’s largest proposed heritage redevelopment will see the iconic Elders Wool Stores building brought back to life, transforming a neglected part of Fremantle with vibrant hospitality venues, new residential living, and significant commercial space.
A Development Application has been submitted by Human Urban (H-U) for the project, which will carefully repurpose the two iconic structures that make up the Elders Wool Stores. This heritage redevelopment is on a scale not seen in Perth since the same team completed the State Buildings more than a decade ago.
Artist's impression of the Elders Wool Stores in Fremantle / supplied
The Elders Wool Stores ceased operations over 40 years ago and has remained vacant ever since, with minimal maintenance. The four-storey brick, timber, and steel structure consists of a 1927 state heritage-listed building at the southern end of the site, alongside a larger 1950s addition to the north.
H-U acquired the Elders Wool Stores in February 2022 and has spent the past two years exploring a range of options to ensure the site delivers long-term benefits to Fremantle. The redevelopment aims to extend the vibrancy of the city’s central business district further east, positively influencing residential, business, and visitor activity in the port city.
Artist's impression of the Elders Wool Stores in Fremantle / supplied
Director Kyle Jeavons highlighted the sheer scale of the Elders Wool Stores and its strategically important location in the city centre, noting that no comparable development exists in Perth. He compared the project to adaptive reuse developments typically seen in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, London, and New York, where there is a greater legacy of industrial buildings.
“Throughout our design process, we have been keenly aware that this project is uniquely Fremantle,” says Jeavons.
“We have a special responsibility to ensure our plans benefit the city and make a major contribution to revitalising this part of the central business district for future generations.”
After collaborating with multiple leading Western Australian and interstate architectural firms on various concepts, H-U ultimately opted for a ‘local’ approach, engaging renowned Fremantle architects spaceagency. This decision was based on their extensive track record with heritage projects and their deep understanding of the site’s social significance in the port city’s history.
Urban greening and landscaping will enhance the site while supporting future and existing operators. Artist's impression of the Elders Wool Stores from Cantonment Street / supplied
The 1927 building will be retained and restored, with three additional storeys added, bringing the total to seven levels. The facades of the 1950s structure will largely be preserved, with an elevation of one to two storeys.
Key materials will be reused and repurposed throughout the redevelopment. A heavily landscaped ‘mews’ style street will feature within the 1950s footprint, enhancing the new residential community.
The Elders Wool Stores redevelopment will comprise a sophisticated mix of residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality offerings, introducing entirely new living options to Western Australia. H-U is currently in the process of appointing a leading construction company, and subject to planning approval and a pre-sale campaign, construction is expected to commence in early 2026, with completion anticipated by mid-2028.
Image: The development will feature a refurbished 6,600m²+ state listed heritage-listed office / supplied
