South Freo Power Station… Coastal eyesore? Iconic, graffiti-riddled monument to WA’s electricity history? Future location of a Berghain-style nightclub where phones are not allowed and anything goes? While some of us can only hope for option three, below you’ll find a deep dive into where it’s been, where it may be going, and why something needs to happen at the abandoned Port Coogee site.
Troy Mutton, Editor-In-Chief, Perth is OK!
NEWS
Bulldozer or buyer? Time running out for South Freo Power Station
It’s been a stalemate sitting in front of our eyes for decades. Too expensive to fix. Too much heritage to tear down.
The South Fremantle Power Station remains perched on the edge of Port Coogee. The glory days are long gone. Decades of neglect and disrepair are impossible to miss. Though if you squint to look beyond the graffiti-stained disorder, there’s still something special.
The question though: is it worth saving? Stump up the cash. Or bring in the bulldozers? It’s time to make a call.
It sure would be a shame to see it go. The heritage listed building certainly has a vibe. It’s one of the few ‘cathedral style’ power stations still standing around the country.
While its beauty was recognised later, initially it was all about purpose.
Built in 1951, the power station was vital at the time, helping Perth overcome a severe electricity shortage that was impeding a growing population and expanding industry. But it didn’t last long. By 1985 it was all over, mothballed for more cost-efficient options near Collie.
As it sits today, it’s been empty for longer than it was operational. That’s a heck of a long time in purgatory. And despite all that time to think, no one is closer to answering the question of what’s next…
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EAT & DRINK
The final weekend for Fornax in Freo
Parting is such sweet (treat) sorrow! The Piazza has become such an exciting epicentre of Freo’s creatives and small businesses, with pop ups appearing left right and centre. But the sad thing about a pop up is what it pops away…
And after this weekend, there’ll be a baked-treat-shaped-hole in the Piazza with bakery Fornax popping up for their final Saturday on July 4. Open from 11am ’til sold out (which we reckon will happen pretty quick sticks), head there for a spectacular array of golden focaccias, luscious cakes, incred cookies and more.
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CSTAFF RECCOSD
What we’re eating
Sally on a recent western suburbs jaunt:
“After hearing great things from a number of trusted sources, I paid a visit to BŌTO, above the Boatshed. While we assumed seafood would be the focus of our night, wagyu was the real star — the wagyu nigiri a particular highlight. Have been thinking about that fatty lil piece of meat ever since!”