Fremantle Skaters Secure Crucial Voice in Future of Iconic Woolstores Ledge
The Fremantle skateboarding community has achieved a significant victory in its campaign to be included in discussions about the future of skating within the historic port city. Following a decisive council meeting, skaters will now have a formal say in the development of replacement facilities for the world-renowned Woolstores ledge, which faces partial removal due to major redevelopment projects.
Council Backs Skate Community Consultation
At its February 11 meeting, the City of Fremantle council was presented with a proposal for $4.2 million in enhancement works for the Cantonment Street precinct. These works are designed to coincide with private development initiatives and would be co-funded by the Elders Woolstores and Point Street developers, who are contributing $1.1 million and $1 million respectively. The council endorsed Councillor Jemima Williamson-Wong's motion, which mandates consultation with the WA Skate Association regarding public works in the area. Additionally, the city will explore ways to support street skating both in the precinct and at Princess May Reserve.
Councillor Williamson-Wong emphasized the oversight in the initial proposal, stating, "Skateboarding is a vital part of Fremantle's history, but it was not mentioned in the proposal for the precinct. They're not bringing a million dollars to the table, but to have them not even mentioned in the key design principles or skateboarding generally, I think is a great loss and it needs to be fixed." She further warned against allowing new development to erase long-standing communities, noting, "We all know that Fremantle is becoming gentrified and we also know that we need new housing, but we cannot let new development wipe out communities that have existed for decades in our city."
Development Pressures and Community Response
The push for consultation comes amid substantial redevelopment projects that threaten the iconic Woolstores ledge. The State Government's Development Assessment Panel approved a $100 million residential development on Point Street in December 2023, followed by a $110 million Elders Woolstores redevelopment in April 2025. Last October, the DAP granted permission for parts of the 110-meter skating ledge to be removed, citing concerns over the development's viability. This ledge has served as a skateboarding haven since 1982, attracting legendary figures such as Eric Koston and Mike Carroll.
During the council meeting, multiple members of the public expressed strong support for preserving skateboarding opportunities. Michael Kordis received applause after his deputation, where he highlighted the community's feeling of neglect. "If not for a last-minute amendment from Cr Williamson-Wong we wouldn't have had any idea as to what was happening and be totally unaware that we had been omitted from future plans for the Woolstores," he said. Kordis criticized the council for using skaters in promotional campaigns while seemingly pushing them aside, urging, "After 35 years of skateboarding history, we deserve to be heard. We deserve to be seen. And we deserve to be relevant in this deal."
Cultural Significance and Future Opportunities
Shannon Cooney of Beaconsfield underscored the cultural importance of the Woolstores ledge, describing it as "a safe place where people could be in public but still be themselves." She expressed concern that losing this space to commercial interests would represent a "whitewashing of Fremantle," highlighting its role as a refuge for young people. Councillor Andrew Sullivan pointed to the growing residential population in the precinct, suggesting that recreation options like skateboarding should be integrated into design plans. "Whether that be skateboarding, basketball or other activities, there is a perfect opportunity for us to start contemplating that and incorporating that in design," he remarked.
Deputy Mayor Fedele Carmada supported exploring alternative skating opportunities, expressing doubts about coexistence with the redeveloped Woolstores. The council's commitment to consultation marks a pivotal step in balancing development needs with the preservation of Fremantle's rich skateboarding heritage, ensuring that the community's voice is integral to future urban planning decisions.
