A much-loved live music venue in Fremantle will be able to rage on after being granted an exception from noise restrictions in a bid to protect the music scene in the port city.
In February, Freo.Social’s future looked dire after the owners of a nearby swanky hotel voiced concerns about noise coming from the iconic music venue.
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk with WA music industry stalwarts Kav and Beth Temperley from the WAM Song of the Year competition at Freo.Social in June.
After musicians protested outside the 550-seat venue at the historic Artillery Drill Hall, Labor promised that, if re-elected in March, the venue would be exempt from noise regulations to continue hosting live music.
On Friday, the government stuck to its word and revealed it was granting Freo.Social a temporary exemption from noise restrictions for up to four nights a week.
The Fremantle music institution could eventually receive a permanent exemption, with community consultation expected to begin in six months.
The WA government also splashed out $150,000 via the National Trust WA for the venue to beef up its acoustics.
It follows the Albanese government’s decision last month to provide Freo.Social with the same amount of funding to soundproof the premises.
Freo.Social managing director James Legge told this masthead he was highly grateful to the WA government for investing in critical acoustic works.
“This announcement demonstrates a clear commitment by the government to supporting the live music scene in Western Australia while balancing community amenity, and it gives us real confidence in the venue’s future,” he said.
Creative Industries Minister and Fremantle MP Simone McGurk said the exemptions from noise restrictions meant Freo.Social could rock on for years to come.
“I know how popular and valued Freo.Social is, I also know we need a sensible approach that gives the venue the confidence to continue hosting live music, but also give their neighbours clarity that there are firm parameters within which Freo.Social is required to operate,” she said.
“Fremantle’s live music scene is an important part of its vibrancy, and we need to strike the right balance between housing and tourism accommodation, and live music venues.”
With arts and culture under threat due to ongoing development in the port city, the announcement to safeguard Freo.Social’s future will be music to the ears for music-lovers.
The West End bar and retro games venue Palace Arcade was forced to close recently because of noise complaints from nearby residents.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
