Running With Thieves Brewery Expands with New Beer Garden in Fremantle
A popular port brewery in Fremantle is set to undergo a significant expansion, with plans approved to increase its internal floorspace and introduce a new outdoor beer garden. Running With Thieves, located on Marine Terrace in South Fremantle, has received unanimous approval from the City of Fremantle council for these enhancements, which aim to improve the venue's functionality and customer experience.
Approved Expansion Details
The expansion involves increasing the internal licensed floor area by approximately 270 square metres and creating a licensed beer garden in a carparking area at the eastern entrance of the venue. This outdoor area will have a maximum capacity of 50 people and will close at 10pm each evening, even though the main venue can operate until midnight. The brewery's patron capacity will remain unchanged, as stated in its application, with the focus on creating a more spacious and safer environment.
In its submission, Running With Thieves emphasised that the expansion is intended to enhance traffic flow, improve service access, and ensure compliance with responsible service of alcohol and patron comfort standards. The venue, which includes a brewery, distillery, bar, restaurant, cafe, and retail store, has previously set up temporary alfresco and outdoor dining areas for annual events, but this new beer garden will provide a permanent outdoor space.
Council Conditions and Community Response
The City of Fremantle council approved the expansion at its meeting on March 11, with no submissions received during the public comment period. However, the approval comes with specific conditions, including the preparation of a detailed carparking plan and the marking of 11 new bays exclusively for the brewery's use. This addresses previous carparking shortfalls, as the tavern was 60 bays short of requirements when initially approved in 2019, but nearby public carparks, street parking, public transport, and a cycle path are available to mitigate this.
Additionally, the brewery must develop a venue management plan to uphold the amenity of neighbouring areas. An acoustic report indicated that the expansion could comply with noise regulations, despite past noise complaints, and live music will not be permitted in the outdoor areas. Running With Thieves also operates a courtesy bus to transport patrons to public transport hubs, further supporting accessibility.
Capacity and Future Plans
The council has clarified that Running With Thieves is licensed for a maximum of 400 people, although the brewery's application stated a capacity of 450. On its website, the brewery describes its South Fremantle location as its "heartbeat," where "stainless steel meets sea breeze" and it serves as a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike. This expansion is expected to reinforce its role in the community while adhering to regulatory standards.
