Source : Perth Now news
The Town of Bassendean says it has been blindsided by news the former Bassendean fire station has been put up for sale.
But it has welcomed movement on the site, which has been vacant for more than a decade.
The property at 10 to 14 Parker Street includes three adjoining lots on a total landholding of 1479sqm, including the heritage-listed original fire station building, built in 1934.
A 1970s addition on the site also has a level of heritage protection.
It is set in a residential R60 zone, which could accommodate six or seven townhouses, and has the potential for residential, commercial or community use.
The property is in the Bassendean town centre, about 150m from the train station.
An expressions of interest campaign run by Knight Frank on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services closes on October 7.
In a statement, the town said it had only “very recently” found out the site was up for sale.
It said it was disappointed by the lack of consultation, especially after it had spent a year working with DFES about the future of the site.
Although the town wants the site’s potential use for community use and benefit to be considered, it said the listing for sale was a step in the right direction.
“The former fire station is an important local landmark and a significant heritage asset within our town centre,” mayor Kath Hamilton said.
“For many years, our community has expressed concern about the ongoing vacancy and deterioration of this historic building.
“We want to see a future that respects the building’s heritage significance, while delivering meaningful benefits for the community.
“While council remains hopeful of exploring alternative pathways that enable a stronger community outcome, we are encouraged that the State Government has begun taking steps toward the site’s future redevelopment.”
The town is considering if it will make an offer for the site.
A DFES spokesperson said all parties interested in the old Bassendean fire station site had been advised the department had the responsibility under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1998 to realise a market value return for the sale of any property.
“Surplus funds from the sale of the Bassendean site will be allocated to other capital works projects to enhance community safety in WA,” they said.
