Fremantle Press given grant for move to first permanent home in 50 years
An independent book publisher is on track to no longer be short of space after receiving a grant to help it move into its first permanent home in 50 years.
Fremantle Press has received a $722,226 Lotterywest grant to help fit out its new home, the historic SEC Substation at 10 Parry Street, Fremantle.
Fremantle Press is a not-for-profit organization opened in 1976 and is one of WA’s longest-running independent book publishers.
The SEC Substation on Parry Street will be its first permanent home in its 50 years of operation.
Ballpoint Construction Group began equipping with a projected completion date of mid-March.
Plans include a dedicated podcast room, a place to house 50 years of published books, space for partner organizations and interns, and space to grow the business in a sustainable and accessible way.
Fremantle Press chairman Clair Medhurst said she was thrilled the iconic heritage building was being occupied and put into operation on the Press’s 50th anniversary, with a public day and evening event planned for Friday, April 24.
“After working for almost a decade for a permanent home, which at times felt like a pipe dream, we are excited to break ground and get started,” he said.
“Nothing gave me more pleasure than seeing the signs taken down letting everyone know we were on the move.”
CEO Alex Allan said Creative Australia had offered co-funding of $50,000, effectively doubling every dollar committed before May 2026.
“We had a vision for an open, accessible space connecting storytellers with readers, and now we’re so close to achieving our goal I can smell the fresh paint,” he said.
Creative Australia’s state manager of development and partnerships WA James Boyd said Fremantle Press was an independent publishing house of national importance.
“There will now be a space where the press can grow, increase its impact and create greater connections between storytellers and their audiences,” he said.
The Lotterywest donation brings the publisher close to half a million dollars of its total fundraising target.
Fremantle Press acquired a 35 per cent stake in the former SEC Substation with the support of Adrian and Michela Fini, who offered favorable loan terms.
Other donors include Adrian and Michela Fini, the State Government and the Wright Burt Foundation.
For more information on how to support the project, go to: fremantlepress.com.au/donate.
