Fremantle Markets facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fremantle Markets |
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Fremantle Markets roof sign
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| General information | |
| Type | Markets |
| Location | Fremantle, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 32°3′22.5″S 115°44′57″E / 32.056250°S 115.74917°E |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 9 November 1993 |
| Reference no. | 1006 |
The Fremantle Markets is a lively public market in Fremantle, Western Australia. You can find it at the corner of South Terrace and Henderson Street.
This historic market was built in 1897. It has over 150 shops inside its main hall. Here, you can find unique items from craftspeople and fashion designers. There are also many merchants selling different goods.
In "The Yard" section, you'll discover fresh food producers and vegetable growers. There are also lots of food stalls. The markets are open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They are also open on most public holidays. It's a very popular spot for tourists and locals. Many people think it's a special part of Fremantle.
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A Look Back: Market History
The Fremantle Markets building has a special design. It's called the Federation Romanesque style. This style uses strong, rounded arches and solid shapes. The architects who designed it were Joseph Herbert Eales and Charles Oldham.
The first stone for the market was laid on November 6, 1897. Sir John Forrest, who was the Premier of Western Australia, did this. Most of the building work happened between 1898 and 1902. The inside walls are made of rough limestone. The roof is high and made of iron. It is held up by strong timber columns.
Small shops line the outside of the market building. The main entrances have beautiful stone arches. You can see these arches on Henderson Street and Market Street.
From Wholesale to Retail
For many years, until the 1950s, the markets were a place for wholesale food. This meant large amounts of food were sold to businesses. Later, this wholesale trade moved to Perth.
The original covered walkways, called verandahs, were taken down. The main market building was then used for packing and sending out goods. It stayed like this until the early 1970s. After that, the buildings were empty for a while.
In 1975, the Fremantle City Council helped restore the markets. They used money from a special grant. The markets reopened on October 31, 1975. The basic shape of the building stayed the same. However, the inside was changed. It was made ready for permanent shops. A bar was also added. The verandahs were rebuilt too.
New Sections and Recognition
An area called Farmer's Lane was created. It was north of the main market hall. This area had temporary stalls for fruit and vegetables. These stalls were covered with tarpaulins and umbrellas.
In May 1992, part of Farmer's Lane was damaged by a fire. Because of this, a new Fruit and Vegetable Hall was built. It used recycled tin and timber from old wool stores. This new hall was very well designed. It even won an award in 1993 from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
In November 1993, the Fremantle Markets became even more special. They were officially added to the Register of Heritage Places. This means the building is protected because of its historical importance.
Gallery
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Fremantle Markets are a popular site for buskers
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Market St frontage on a Friday night
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Market St frontage, around 1904
Images for kids
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Fruit and vegetable hall, in 2021
