Heritage-listed Victoria Hall stands tall after receiving more than $280,000 funding for upgrades

One of Fremantle’s oldest heritage buildings has received major funding for technical improvements after it failed to sell when it was put on the market by the City of Fremantle in 2024.

The city was awarded a $282,000 grant last week to improve the heritage-listed Victoria Hall.

The grant was obtained through the Lotterywest arts and culture infrastructure grant program, which provided $10 million in grants to 41 organizations in Western Australia.

The program aims to revitalize local creative spaces by equipping organizations with modern tools and infrastructure.

Fremantle’s director of creative arts and community, Pete Stone, told PerthNow the donation will go towards the installation of modern production equipment to extend the life of the venue.

“The $282,000 Lotterywest grant will fund new audiovisual, sound and lighting equipment and significantly expand Victoria Hall’s capabilities,” he said.

“The grant covers technical improvements including full system design, supply and installation of sound, lighting, technical equipment and chairs.

“The improvements will equip the venue with modern infrastructure to host accessible performances and community events in a space that honors its historic character.

“The installation of production equipment does not impact the heritage elements of the building.”

The city took over management of Victoria Hall last year after failing to sell following the departure of long-time tenant Fremantle Theater Company.

The theater group had been operating out of the hall since 2021, but decided not to renew its lease after the municipality increased the price.

The city received six expressions of interest to purchase the building in 2024, but determined that no “feasible offer” had been submitted.

In 2025 Fremantle council voted to support city-led management of the Victoria Hall reservations for up to three years.

Mr Stone said use of the hall had increased since the city took over, recording about 34 separate bookings of various lengths across drama, arts, theatre, community groups and festivals in the first 10 months.

“The City of Fremantle manages the front area of ​​Victoria Hall, including the auditorium. The rear area of ​​Victoria Hall is leased to Fremantle artist and curator Bennett Miller, who provides studio spaces for artists and develops a presentation space/gallery for the arts community,” Mr Stone said.

The building has been an icon of the Freo art scene since 1897 and continues to function in the community today.

“Victoria Hall is a creative workspace that generates ideas and encourages connection. It is managed by the City of Fremantle to provide affordable space for artists, creatives and the community,” Mr Stone said.

“Victoria Hall has always been a people’s place. It has been a community, a dance venue that has hosted weekly concerts for 30 years, an op-shop, a place for rehearsals, lectures, performances and events.”

The venue has recently been rented by arts and cultural groups including Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, CircusWA, Fremantle Women’s Choir and the BBC film crew.

The city also used the hall for citizenship ceremonies and the Fremantle Arts Center community choir.

Premier Roger Cook said Lotterywest funding was important for the future of WA’s vibrant arts scene.

“Meaningful investments in infrastructure, equipment and technology in these areas will create long-lasting benefits for WA’s creative sector, supporting local artists and strengthening arts and culture in our regions,” he said.

“Arts and culture initiatives play an important role in bringing communities together, creating shared experiences and fostering a vibrant and creative community.”

Fremantle Press also received a significant contribution of more than $700,000 through the program in December.

This helped fund new building regulations at the historic SEC Substation in Parry Street, which is now fully operational and hosted the Press’ 50th anniversary celebrations last week.

Another $20 million will be distributed through grant rounds over the next two fiscal years.