The hub features a first-floor recording studio with a recording room, sound booth and control room, along with ground-floor performance space, a green room and accessible workshop. It is intended for community members and artists taking their first steps in music and recording.
Fremantle mayor Ben Lawver said the space was for those just starting out, not established stars. “This is a space that is not for the Taylor Swifts of the world, although Taylor, if you’re listening, you’re more than welcome to come and record,” he joked.
Local musician Abbe May recalled the challenges of finding affordable rehearsal space when she began her career. “These funds, recording spaces themselves were enormously out of reach, they often still are, and so spaces like this beautiful creative hub offer a kind of levelling of the playing field,” she said.
Fremantle MLA Josh Wilson said the investment would help maintain the city’s tradition of producing original artists. “Fremantle has long been one of Australia’s great incubators of original artists, musicians and creative talent,” he said.
The hub already has residencies booked until March 2027 with artists including Kobi Arthur Morrison, Susie Waller, Jemma King, Adriano Cappelletta, Willow Fearns and Soundtrakx (Ray Tanielu).
The $1.28 million project was funded by $1.26 million from the federal government and $30,000 from the City of Fremantle.