‘We were here first’: Fremantle music venue fights to stay open over new hotel noise concerns

A much-loved music venue in Fremantle could be forced to close its doors because it might be too noisy for a new hotel being built next door.

Major property developer Silver Leaf is building the luxurious Garde Hotel only metres from Freo. Social in the heart of the port city.

Freo. Social managing director James Legge outside the popular music venue.

WAtoday understands the owners of the 83-bed hotel are working with the City of Fremantle to undertake a noise management plan for Freo.Social.

Freo. Social managing director James Legge said he would be absolutely gutted if the venue had to shut down or reduce its trading hours.

“I haven’t got to that point of thinking of closing because it would be catastrophic for the venue and all the workers in the venue; for all the bands that want to play there,” he said.

“It would be catastrophic for the whole music industry as well because it’s one of the key live music venues with state-of-the-art equipment and acoustics and everything set up just for artists.

“If that wasn’t there then it would leave a big hole the in the Western Australian music community.”

The 550-seat venue has been a popular place for local and international bands since it opened its doors at the historic Artillery Drill Hall site in 2019.

Freo Social hosts up to 500 people for intimate live gigs.

With the closure of several music venues over the past few years, including Badlands, Convenients, Aardvark, and The Sewing Room, Freo. Social was one of the last remaining mid-size places punters could see original live bands.

WA Labor has pledged to exempt the venue from noise restrictions for four nights a week if re-elected.

West Australian Music (WAM) chief executive Owen Whittle took aim at the City of Fremantle for allowing a five-storey hotel so close to a live venue.

He pointed WAtoday to the JDAP meeting in March 2018, which recommended: “Prior to the issue of a building permit, an updated environmental acoustic report prepared by a suitably qualified consultant, which specifies the necessary attenuation measures required to achieve a compliant internal noise level for all the proposed hotel rooms… located is to be submitted and approved, to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive Officer, City of Fremantle.”

And another meeting of JDAP in October 2023, stated: “the management plan is to include information about parking and alternative transport options, specific details as to how the hotel operator will inform guests about potential noise from activities and events at nearby sources including the Fremantle Markets, Fremantle Oval and the Drill Hall.”

Whittle said, “a live music venue which has been operating since 1986 should not be put at risk by a catastrophically dumb planning decision by the City of Fremantle”.

“Freo.Social and its predecessor the Fly by Night Club have had a long and storied history of supporting music in WA and have played a vital role in our music scene and in platforming local artists.

“Across the last decade, we have seen far too many venues close in Perth and around the country. If local government can’t be trusted to do the right thing, we need mechanisms to ensure that live music venues can be protected.”

Legge said he wasn’t against infill in Fremantle but said developers can’t just move in next to live music venues and not expect some noise.

“Look I know [one of the owners] and I respect the work that he’s done around Fremantle and his hospitality venues,” he said.

“But we aren’t in agreement with each other’s positions and that’s all been mediated by the council and the potential impact on Freo. Social.”

Local music promoter Phil Stevens, who looks after The John Butler Trio, San Cisco and the Waifs, said Freo.Social was the beating heart of Fremantle’s music scene.

“It has given numerous local, national and international musicians a chance to ply their craft, weave their magic and inspire and entertain thousands of Fremantle and West Australian punters,” he said.

“It is essential that Fremantle maintains its identity as a supporter and champion of the arts and does not bow to developers with their big wallets wanting to crush the life out of this town.

“The venue was here first.”

Donna Simpson from the Waifs said it would be sad for the arts if Freo. Social shut up shop.

“There are other outdoor venues around Freo but nothing with a big room for a really intimate gig,” she said.

City of Fremantle chief executive officer Glen Dougall said the council was working through the situation with both parties.

“The city has engaged a noise consultant, who has experience in the Perth CBD and Northbridge,” he said.

“It’s important to note that noise is measured where it is received, not where it emanates from.

“We must wait for the hotel build to finish so that proper noise testing can occur.

“Once testing has been conducted, there will be a discussion about the results and what can be done.”

Hotel co-owner Patrick Prendiville said he had been working with Freo.Social and the council for the past six months to ensure sound containment at both properties.

“We have sound containment obligations under the EPA that we need to abide by,” he said.

“As do all businesses in Fremantle, Freo Social included. The goal is to protect both businesses as best we can and with a little planning effort, this will be achieved.

“This sort of early engagement should be standard procedure for entertainment precincts to protect vibrancy and businesses”.

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