NATIONAL: Notre Dame to acquire iconic building in Fremantle’s West End

The University of Notre Dame Australia has this week announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase the iconic Customs House in Fremantle’s West End.

The property comprises of three separate buildings, with a total floor area of 8,000 square metres and street frontage on Packenham, Phillimore and Henry Streets.

The agreement is expected to be finalised by the end of November.

Notre Dame’s purchase of Customs House will support the continued development of the university as a student and research hub.

It will also provide the University with additional flexibility in its campus planning and enhance the opportunity for the University to continue to increase ground floor activation of some of its existing buildings in Fremantle’s West End.

Incorporating student accommodation within Customs House is also under consideration as part of the University’s development.

“As with all of our projects, we will proceed with the redevelopment of Customs House fully mindful of our role as a key member of the Fremantle community and the need to preserve the architectural integrity of such a historically significant building,” said Professor Celia Hammond, Vice Chancellor of Notre Dame.

“Although we have not yet decided on the building’s use, the vast floor area and the building’s three-street frontage, will provide flexibility of use and much needed space as the University continues to develop.

“And with our commitment to the Notre Dame West End Activation program, it will be an important contributor to the continued revitalisation of the city’s West End,” Professor Hammond said.

Notre Dame will continue to progress its planning for the development of its site at 3-5 High Street. Over the short to medium term, and while plans are being developed, the University will be examining ways in which the existing space can be beautified and contribute to the revitalisation of the West End.