The iconic former Ford Motor Co Factory in North Fremantle has been added to the State Register of Heritage Places.
The former Ford factory on Stirling Highway in North Fremantle is the last remaining purpose-built automotive assembly plant in Western Australia out of two originally constructed.
The building holds significant historical value due to its original and longstanding use as a Ford vehicle assembly plant from 1930 to 1987. It played an important role in the State’s local manufacturing industry and was a major employer in Western Australia. The factory operated for nearly 60 years, assembling cars until the mid-1960s and tractors until 1987.
In 1989, the building was converted for use as a brewery for Matilda Bay Brewing Company which operated until 2007.
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 Western Australia.
The State Register of Heritage Places is a statutory list of places with significant cultural heritage that represent the story of Western Australia’s history and development.
The Ford Motor Co Factory was added to the State Register after thorough assessment and extensive consultation with stakeholders. Its inclusion highlights its unique history and ensures it will be cherished by future generations.
The former factory is recognised as a place contributing to the development and heritage of North Fremantle, forming an important part of WA’s industrial development history.
For more information visit State Heritage Office
