Perth Voice Interactive

FREO.SOCIAL’S managing director James Legge says a Labor pledge to protect the venue from noise restrictions could take up to six months to implement. 

The issue erupted in 2023 when Silverleaf Investments started building the Garde Hotel next door and raised concerns that a live music venue pumping out tunes just metres away would disturb hotel patrons.

Mr Legge recalls a Silverleaf representative telling him “We’ve got a problem”. 

“[That] was the moment where… I was first aware of the threat that the hotel posed to Freo.Social,” he said.

Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk pledged to protect the venue during her election campaign, but this week as newly minted creative industries minister wouldn’t shed light on how or when that would happen. 

According to Mr Legge, a contractor has inspected the venue, even “crawling around” in the roof to look at sound insulation options, but the cost remains out of reach.

He’s now exploring funding options, including potential support from the council, state, or federal government, as well as Silverleaf. 

If no financial assistance is secured, crowdfunding may be the only option—otherwise, the insulation won’t be installed.

Silverleaf owner Gerard O’Brien said it had been a challenging issue, but called for cooperation. 

“It is very tough, however, Freo.Social are now looking to install the correct insulation required to meet the noise legislation. 

“We all need to work as a team so that all businesses in Freo survive, as Freo needs every business possible, not more empty premises.”

Ms McGurk dodged questions on how and when the four nights a week noise exemptions she’d promised for Freo.Social would be instated, but said the government made a commitment to the venue, and that a sensible approach from all parties was required.

“Fremantle’s live music scene is an important part of its vibrancy, and I will continue to work with Freo.Social to deliver this important commitment,” Ms McGurk said. 

Freo.Social has been a cultural hub in Fremantle since opening in 2019 in the historic Drill Hall, hosting artists such as Spacey Jane, Gregory Alan Isakov, and the Perth Comedy Festival.

Since the dispute began, support from artists, patrons, and other venues in Fremantle has kept flooding in. 

“It really is a humbling experience to see how much support there is there for us… encouraging us to keep up the fight because culture’s what we’re fighting for,” Mr Legge said.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said she would “prefer to get to a situation where everyone can happily coexist” and that “a lot of collaboration can be done between the two,” citing the potential for touring acts to stay at the Garde and for a symbiotic relationship to grow. 

Beyond the dispute with the Garde Hotel, Mr Legge believes there is a growing challenge for live music venues across Fremantle. 

“This isn’t only a Freo.Social issue—I think it’s a broader issue within Fremantle, within live music venues, but also other businesses,” he said. 

Freo.Social is in conversation with other venues, including Honkey Tonk, Buffalo Club, and Clancy’s, about their concerns over future developments, he said.

“Development’s not going to stop, and everyone’s concerned about what future development might take place around them… I’d really implore the Fremantle Council to have a good look at that and to form some policies as to how businesses coexist.”

Looking ahead, Mr Legge said he was relieved the conversation had shifted toward finding a resolution.

by ELVIE TAYLOR