Published on Wednesday, 9 September 2026 at 10:26:04 AM
The Town of Bassendean has very recently become aware that the former fire station site at 10-14 Parker Street has been listed for public disposal by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
The Town is disappointed by the lack of consultation regarding the proposed disposal, particularly in light of its 12-month engagement with DFES seeking to understand the site’s level of contamination and potential remediation costs. This information was sought to assist the Town in developing a future business case and market-led proposal (MLP) where the emphasis was to be on community benefit, adaptive reuse and activation of the heritage building and a sustainable development outcome consistent with the Town’s local planning scheme.
The former fire station has been vacant for many years. It is a site with a long history in Bassendean and a strong connection to our community.
In March 2025, the Bassendean Council formally resolved to engage with the State Government to advocate that the Town be given the opportunity to pursue partnerships that would enable the restoration and activation of the property for the broader community benefit.
The current public disposal process does not adequately account for the site’s broader strategic considerations, including its potential for community use and benefit, the need to facilitate active development rather than land banking, and the opportunity for the site to contribute meaningfully to transit-oriented development objectives.
Despite the Town’s disappointment and the potential missed opportunity to facilitate a better outcome for our community, the public listing of the site for disposal is nevertheless a step in the right direction.
Mayor Kath Hamilton said the Town welcomed movement finally happening on a state government site that has remained vacant for more than a decade. "The former fire station is an important local landmark and a significant heritage asset within our town centre. 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."
"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."
The Town will continue to monitor the sale process and advocate for an outcome that delivers heritage conservation, community use, site contamination remediation, town centre revitalisation and residential housing opportunities, while discouraging the land banking of the site.
The Town is now considering if it will present its own market offer for the site.
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