One of Fremantle’s oldest heritage buildings has received major funding for technical upgrades, after it failed to sell when the City of Fremantle put it on the market in 2024.
The city received a $282,000 grant to improve the heritage-listed Victoria Hall last week.
The grant was obtained through the Lotterywest arts and culture infrastructure grant program, which provided $10 million in grants to 41 organisations across WA.
The program aims to revive local creative spaces by equipping organisations with modern tools and infrastructure.
Fremantle director of creative arts and community Pete Stone told PerthNow the grant will go towards installing modern production equipment to boost the hall’s longevity.
“The Lotterywest grant of $282,000 will fund new audio-visual, sound, and lighting equipment, significantly expanding Victoria Hall’s capabilities,” he said.
“The grant covers technical upgrades including full system design, supply, and installation of sound, lights and technical equipment and chairs.
“Improvements will equip the venue with modern infrastructure to host accessible performances and community activities in a space that honours its historic character.
“The installation of production equipment does not impact the heritage elements of the building.”
The city assumed management of Victoria Hall last year after it failed to sell following the departure of longstanding tenant, the Fremantle Theatre Company.
The theatre group had operated out of the hall since 2021, but decided not to renew its lease after the city increased the price.
The city received six expressions of interest to buy the building in 2024, but determined there were no “viable offers” presented.
In 2025, Fremantle council voted to support city-led management of Victoria Hall bookings for up to three years.
Mr Stone said use of the hall has grown since the city took over, recording nearly 34 separate bookings of varied lengths in its first 10 months across drama, art, theatre, community groups and festivals.
“The City of Fremantle is managing the front part of Victoria Hall, which includes the auditorium. The back area of Victoria Hall has been leased to a Fremantle artist and curator Bennett Miller, who is providing studio spaces for artists and developing a presentation space/gallery for the arts community,” Mr Stone said.
The building has been an icon of the Freo arts scene since 1897, and remains functioning in the community today.
“Victoria Hall is a creative working space that generates ideas and fosters connection. It is managed by the City of Fremantle to provide affordable space for artists, creatives and community,” Mr Stone said.
“Victoria Hall has always been a people’s place. It has been a parish, a dance venue hosting weekly concerts for 30 years, an op-shop, a place for rehearsals, classes, performances and events.”
The venue has recently been hired by arts and culture groups such as the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, CircusWA, the Fremantle Women’s Choir and a BBC film crew.
The city has also used the hall for citizenship ceremonies and the Fremantle Arts Centre community choir.
State premier Roger Cook said the Lotterywest funding was important for the future of WA’s vibrant arts scene.
“Meaningful investment in infrastructure, equipment and technology within these spaces will create long-lasting benefits for WA’s creative sector, supporting local artists and strengthening arts and culture in our regions,” he said.
“Arts and cultural initiatives play an important role in bringing communities together, creating shared experiences and fostering a vibrant and creative community.”
The Fremantle Press also received a significant contribution of more than $700,000 through the program in December.
This helped fund their new building fit-out at the historic SEC Substation on Parry Street, which is now fully operational and hosted the Press’ 50th anniversary celebrations last week.
A further $20m will be delivered through grant rounds across the next two financial years.