The H-U (Human Urban) arm of the Fini Group has lodged an application for a $110 million redevelopment of a #Freo sleeping beauty - the historic Elders Woolstores, between Elder Place and Cantonment Street. This will be a game changer for the inner east of Fremantle City. It will be a mix of apartments and six, three-level townhouses, built into the heritage facade. Three levels will be added to the four-storey building, making it seven-storeys. Co-living is a globally emerging housing type which is reinventing the rental model by focusing on building communities, connection and convenience. Elders Wool Stores will introduce co-living to the Fremantle market for the first time.

The co-living component will consist of 174 architecturally designed units operating as a centralised rental model that focuses on creating a community through:

• Large communal recreation zones including kitchens, dining areas, breakout zones, wellness opportunities and WFH spaces.

• A curated calendar of social events and activations for residents - all included within the rental structure.

A tavern, restaurants, cafes, bars and bespoke retailers will occupy the ground floor, that will encourage activation of Elder Place and Cantonment St.

Construction is scheduled to start early 2026 and completion in 2028.

This is a stunning development plan that is very respectful of Fremantle as a heritage city. The building has been a vacant eyesore for forty long years, so this is such an extremely welcome improvement.