Old North Fremantle Ford factory building added to State Heritage Register

One of Fremantle’s most historic buildings has been placed in the State Register of Heritage Places.

The former Ford Motor Co Factory in North Fremantle has been added to the register after a rigorous assessment and consultation period.

You may be more familiar with the building as the Matilda Bay Brewery, which it was until operations finished in 2007 – you can still see the brewing kettles from the front window.

Initially though, the factory was built in 1929 and opened as a Ford vehicle assembly plant in 1930 and remained in operation for near 60 years.

“The former Ford Motor Co Factory holds significant cultural heritage value, playing a crucial role in the history and development of WA,” said Heritage Minister David Templeman. “The building’s innovative industrial design, particularly the extensive steel framed glass windows on the southern façade, was a standard feature in Ford factories both in Australia and overseas, however a rarity in WA.”

Ford operated their car production out of the factory until the mid-1960s and then moved tractor production to the site until 1987.

It was converted to the brewery in 1989 and remained in use until 2007.

Safe to say it has played a very important role in WA’s manufacturing industry and it is also important to note the building has been a major employer in the area.

The State Register of Heritage Places is a statutory list of places with State cultural heritage significance which represent the story of Western Australia’s history and development.

“Its inclusion on the State Register highlights its unique history and ensures it will be cherished by future generations,” said Mr Templeman.

Image Credit: Supplied/The Assembly