City Signs Civic Centre Tenants

L-R: Nicola Devonald and Charlie Guilloteau from The Hub on SX, Jonathan Melnick from Harbour Space, City of Fremantle Director of City Business Matt Hammond, Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge, Susan O’Byrne and Phil Kemp from Business Foundations. 

The City of Fremantle has signed lease agreements with three Fremantle-based organisations to occupy the third floor of the Walyalup Civic Centre.

The Hub on SX, Business Foundations and Harbour Space (formerly Fspace Coworking) will take over the 900sqm of space on 10-year lease agreements.

The City has started preparation work to fit out the vacant space. Fit out will happen over the next few months, with the tenants expected to move around October.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge welcomed them to Walyalup Civic Centre.

"This is a great outcome. We've managed to secure three top quality organisations that complement each other and display the values that Fremantle is known for; community, sustainability, innovation and creativity."

Director of City Business Matt Hammond said these tenancies will help raise the profile of Fremantle as a destination for creative and innovative businesses, as well as build upon the work of existing investment attraction programs such as Propel Fremantle.

"These organisations already have a strong presence in Fremantle and it’s great that we can not only retain this professional talent in the city but help them grow.

"This announcement sends a strong signal to start-ups, founders and entrepreneurs that Fremantle can provide a vibrant and supportive ecosystem for these types of businesses as they seek to grow."

The Hub on SX is a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to embedding sustainable development principles across Western Australia’s business sector.

Managing Director Charlie Guilloteau said he plans to activate Level 3 as a vibrant hub for SMEs and startups committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

"Relocating to the Walyalup Civic Centre represents a strategic move that reinforces our brand alignment with key partners and places us in the heart of Fremantle. The location offers a dynamic setting and professional infrastructure that supports our growth and credibility as a leading sustainability-focused organisation."

Business Foundations advises businesses on how to start and grow as well as working with government and organisations on economic development initiatives.

Project Director Susan O'Byrne said the move offers a unique opportunity to design their own space in a landmark building.

"Our organisation has evolved and changed in recent years, and we need a space that’s fit-for-purpose for our new way of doing business."

CEO Phil Kemp said the new location represents a new era for the organisation.

"We were created in Fremantle to serve the community more than 30 years ago, and the move to the Walyalup Civic Centre means we can stay in the heart of our town, continue delivering on our mission… and enjoy the views over Fremantle!"

Harbour Space, which has been operating since 2013 as Fspace, will deliver a 300sqm open-plan coworking studio for professionals, creatives and small businesses.

Director Jonathan Melnick said the move is about scaling up, having outgrown their Market Street loft.

"Moving to Level 3 lets us double our capacity and stay anchored in the city we love.

"Abundant natural light and access to Civic Centre meeting rooms lets us refine the vibe our members value: quiet productivity paired with effortless community.

"Sharing the City's flagship building with like-minded tenants deepens our commitment to Fremantle's business community and lifts the city’s profile as a place to work and grow."