Carriage Cafe Fremantle WA

The Carriage Café: A Western Australian Icon

The café viewed from the north. The seating area is on a raised timber deck to prevent tree root compaction, as is acknowledged in the Conservation Plan. In this setting the carriage appears to be at a railway station.

Date: 5 September 2008

REF: 148/015 – Ian James

By Kelvyn and Judy Smith, Carriage Cafe

Introduction

We make this submission as proprietors of the Carriage Cafe, and more importantly as long standing members of the Fremantle community who love and wish to conserve all that is great about the Esplanade Reserve.

The Carriage Cafe in its present location is part of the heritage, beauty and attraction of the Esplanade. It is an integral part of the unique historic, social and cultural fabric of the Esplanade. Therefore removing or relocating it would be contrary to the Burra Charter and against the interests of Fremantle. Moving it next to the public toilets, the road and the busy roundabout, as seems to be suggested in the Plans, is a travesty!

The Carriage Cafe draws so people many from all over - Perth, Western Australia, Australia and overseas - to Fremantle.

We strongly believe in conserving the Esplanade as a green space and lung of Fremantle for all to enjoy, not as a venue taken over by big commercial events. Not only is the Carriage part of the aesthetic beauty and cultural heritage of the Esplanade, but it is in a healthy symbiotic relationship with its surrounds, and particularly with the trees in the lease area - according to two tree experts who have provided reports. Mr Jonathan Epps in particular is of the view that removing the Carriage Cafe could be harmful to the surrounding trees. Both reports agree that the trees in the Carriage Cafe lease area are amongst the healthiest in the Esplanade.

As the main feature of the Carriage Cafe is a genuine 1912 Westrail carriage, it gives the public a direct and unique experience of our State’s rail history. Children thrill and adults marvel at it. Tourists are drawn to it. The Council approved renovations in 2004, of decking and canopy in the front, gives it the semblance and feel of a train parked at a station set amongst the trees. It draws a significant link with the historic railway dividing the park from Mews Road. It is a pleasant feature minimising the less attractive industrial view from Essex Street and Marine Terrace of the other side of the railway and Mews Road.

Where else in Western Australia can visitors enjoy a meal or refreshment at a genuine, historic train carriage set in the open air surrounds of a beautiful park where their children can safely play close by? Where else in Fremantle can you sit for a meal away from the noise of traffic, the hubbub of shoppers, the drab of pavement, concrete and glass?

The Carriage Cafe should not be removed to the edge of the Esplanade, let alone nearer to public toilets as proposed. In its present place: (a) it is part of the aesthetic beauty of the park; (b) its green surrounds are part of the Carriage’s attraction; (c) it protects the trees; (d) it allows parents to be closer to their children playing in the park; and (e) it is near enough (13 metres) to the edge of the Esplanade already.

We do not just speak on our own behalf. Huge numbers of people support this submission, as shown by over 3000 people signing the attached petition, the lay and professional individuals who have written support letters to us, the Mayor and or Council, the Fremantle Society, and the harbour business association, and members of parliament and Adele Carles, the Greens’ candidate for Fremantle.

We ask the Fremantle Council to please conserve this heritage for future generations.

Summary: Ten Reasons to Keep the Carriage Cafe Where It Is:

Unique: No other known place in WA where a 96 year old train carriage cafe open year round forms part of a park setting

Iconic and Historic: Genuine 1912 Westrail Carriage with obvious association with the present railway as part of the continuing story of rail transport for its historic and social value.

Age: Twenty eight year history in present location; 96 year old carriage.

Heritage: Part of cultural, social and historic heritage fabric of Esplanade.

Aesthetic: Complimentary and picturesque part of Esplanade.

Tourist and Family Attraction: Safe and pleasant place in contrast to most other cafes in Fremantle on the street; has disabled access; is close to parking.

Protects Trees in the lease area.

Unobtrusive Location: It is already near the Esplanade edge (13 metres).

Huge Public Support.

Council Approved the canopy and decking after due consideration recently.

Summary of Arguments Against Preserving the Carriage Cafe

Little Significance {1}: not true – see below.
Harms Trees and turf {2}: not true – see below.
Blocks Views across the park{3}not true – see below.
Low Aesthetic Value {4}: not true – see below.
Gets in Way of Big Events {5}: not true and not a good reason – see below.

Responding to the Masterplan and Conservation Plan

This part of the Submission responds to the arguments made in the Masterplan and Conservation Plan that have been released for public comment.

Firstly, we emphasise that we strongly support initiatives to upgrade and conserve the Esplanade’s landscape and infrastructure, as long as this is done in a way that is consistent with the social, historical and cultural heritage of the Esplanade and the public’s passive enjoyment of it. We agree on the need to protect the trees and grassed areas.

Under the heading “Proposed Development and Demolition”, the Masterplan (page 7) provides points 1&2 “alternative café sites at the east and west end of the space for the eventual replacement of the carriage café”. From this and the “Design Functions, Elements & Project Phasing Masterplan, the new site of the Café is next to the toilet block! As nice as the public toilets may be, the Café should keep its present distance.

The Conservation Plan says at page 197:

34. The Carriage Café has low significance in relation to the place and the continual need for change at the place indicates that a review is required. The City should review the need for a catering service in The Esplanade, examine what kind of service should be offered, examine the suitability of the location, especially in connection with the health of the trees in the vicinity, and consider whether or not the service might not be better provided in a new facility that meets all foreseeable requirements and a means of delivering it, taking into account cultural heritage values of The Esplanade.

Low significance to whom?

The Plans say the Carriage Café has little significance.{6} But the Conservation Plan contradicts itself at page 109. It reported that even in mid-1993, when the Parks and Recreation Department surveyed park visitors in August-September (a time of low attendance numbers), it found high percentages of visitors to the Esplanade did so monthly, and even weekly, and most came with families. Respondents placed the coffee shop amongst the most attractive aspects of the Esplanade, and that was before it was renovated and improved in 2004.

The Carriage Cafe has major significance to Fremantle, and to Western Australia.

The carriage itself is a genuine 1912 Westrail Carriage, and it has been in this spot under the Pines for 28 years. It is a heritage and tourist attraction according to many, including Professor Peter Newman of Curtin University quoted in the Fremantle Herald in July 2008.

The Esplanade was reclaimed from the Sea. The Carriage Cafe was reclaimed from our past.

The Carriage Cafe is a part of what is great about Fremantle: An open air café in a beautiful park. Tourists come here all the time from all over the world, and from all over Australia. For West Australians, it is a regular family attraction. Parents sit and enjoy the sun and fresh air over a meal or drink while their kids play in the park.

The Conservation Plan contradicts itself again on significance at page 129:

The people of Fremantle and the wider community primarily use The Esplanade for passive recreation. Students from schools such as the Lance Holt School and Notre Dame University make use of the place, and the Railway Carriage Café draws in users, as well as providing a service to them.

In the six weeks since the Plans were released for public comment over three thousand people have signed a petition at the Carriage Cafe to keep it where it is. These petitions are submitted with this Submission. In the very short time provided for public comment, this is a huge representative voice of community support.

Many have written letters to the Mayor, Ian James and to local papers objecting to the proposal to remove it. Some of theses are attached to this Submission.

The Carriage Cafe is as much a part of the fabric of the Esplanade as the Norfolk Pines, Monterey Cypresses, Moreton Bay Figs, the Hibiscus, the Sir Hector MacDonald drinking fountain, the Maitland Brown Memorial, the pumping station and old toilets, the open spaces and the children’s playground.

Using the Conservation Plan’s own Assessment of Significance (page 169) compels the conclusion that the Carriage Café in its present location has high significance:

The discussion is set out using the Heritage Council of Western Australia’s ‘Criteria of Cultural Significance for entry into the Register of Heritage Places (November 1996)’. The discussion considers the nature of significance in terms of aesthetic, historic, scientific, and social values. The degree of significance of the place is discussed in terms of its rarity, representativeness, condition, integrity, and authenticity.

The Carriage Café is many of these things: it is an authentic 1912 Westrail carriage; it is rare and unique in WA; it is historical and representative of our past; and it has very high social and cultural value to the many who frequent the Esplanade, and should remain so for future generations.

“Continual Need for Change”

This is an exaggeration. The Carriage Café has changed over 28 years in modest ways that have enhanced its place in the Esplanade. The lease area has only increased marginally. Decking replaced existing outside table and benches, with the consequence that the tree root systems are protected, the grounds are not eroded and the aesthetic value has been enhanced. The canopy not only provides practical benefits of protection against the elements in an open park near the sea, but also lends to the train station feel of the place.

It should be noted that the Council was previously advised on and approved all changes to the Carriage Café, including a building licence as recently as 2004.

Most significantly, the Conservation Plan is strongly contradicted by the Council’s position in 2002 as reflected in Council Development Assessment Committee (DAC 237) Minutes granting consent to the application for the deck, canopy and minor kitchen extension to the Carriage Cafe:

Strategic Planning (Urban Designer)

The [Carriage] coffee shop is a well used facility in this public reserve, however it is in need of upgrading and therefore the proposed renovations are timely and will in general improve its amenity to the public.

While there is no adopted management plan for the reserve, the proposal is supported in principle by the City Centre Urban Design Strategy which recommends that the city centre open spaces be designed and developed “as ‘people places’ for comfort and usability by ensuring… provision of appropriate services and facilities and … a generally higher standard of amenity.”

The proposed decking is strongly supported, as it will provide a safer and more comfortable surface for users of the al fresco dining area.

While the proposed canopy over the servery and part of the outdoor dining area will increase the visual impact of the building in the parkland, it will still be relatively insignificant in the scale of the reserve and its landscaping. The “station platform” form of the canopy will also relate well to the character and form of the existing carriage structure. The canopy will provide more shelter from wind and rain and will therefore increase opportunities for the public to enjoy the reserve.

The Railway Carriage Café with the original carriage section (1980) left and the 2004 awning to the right. The utility room addition is on the far left. The Café has the semblance of a carriage siding at a railway station.

Health of the Trees

At least two separate and independent tree experts contradict any suggestion that the Carriage Café is a threat to the health of the trees in the lease area. They both agree that these trees are amongst the healthiest in the Esplanade. Both of these reports are attached to this Submission.

An expert Arboriculturalist report (3 August 2008) from Jonathan Epps that says the Carriage Cafe is good for the Pines. The Pines around the Carriage Cafe are some of the healthiest in the Esplanade. Mr Epps says removing the Carriage Cafe could be bad for the trees and the grounds (pages 4-5).

Mr Epps also says (page 3) there is no evidence that our vehicle access to the Carriage Café is damaging the trees. Indeed, such access is very modest, and certainly not as heavy as other vehicle access to the Esplanade.

The expert Arboriculturalist report of John Banks (25 August 2008), says (page 4, point 3) of the trees in the lease area: “All four trees appeared in optimum health. They were extremely attractive and contributed significantly to the overall aesthetics and amenity of the park and, indeed, the café.” And (at page 4, point 4): “It can be stated that based on their excellent health and vigour, the four subject trees are nowhere near post mature and could be expected to live for at least another twenty years and probably more.”

Mr Banks also notes (pages 5-6, point 5) that the decking and presence of the carriage protects the trees’ roots, and removing these structures would make the trees more vulnerable.

Some trees showing distress are shown in photo numbers 12 and 13 on pages 11 and 12 of Mr Epp’s report. They are some distance away from the lease area, and the damage has nothing to do with the Carriage Café. The damage shown in photo 12 was caused by a forklift used by big event organisers.

The Conservation Plan’s (pages 113-114) own research of previous studies was that heavy traffic damaged the trees and the turf. None of those previous reports made any mention of the Carriage Café causing any damage.

We are conscious of protecting against termite risk. As inspection report from Midland Pest Control dated 3 September 2008 says the Carriage is completely termite free (attached).

Cultural Heritage & Aesthetic Values

The only historical information the Conservation Plan gives about the carriage is at pages 91 - 92:

In 1980, Fremantle City Council granted permission for the establishment of a coffee shop at the Esplanade after an application by Ralph Hoger to relocate an early railway carriage, built at Midland Railway Workshops in the pre-World War One period…”

However, the historical significance of the carriage is given a bit more colour by a rail enthusiast, Mr Ian Studham, Secretary of Rail Heritage WA, who writes:

ZA class Railway Brakevan in Fremantle Esplanade Park

The ZA class brakevan in use as a café in the park at Fremantle Esplanade has been a recognizable feature of this locality for many years.

This type of brakevan was introduced into service on the Western Australian Government Railways from 1902 onwards, and included two compartments for use by the general public. This concept allowed public travel on trains that did not warrant enough patronage for the inclusion of a dedicated passenger coach. Brakevans were seen at the rear of all trains until as recently as the late 1980’s, and accommodated the guard and provided emergency braking facilities in case of emergencies.

The ZA class of brakevens eventually numbered over 40 vehicles, and saw service over all parts of Western Australia’s far reaching domestic narrow gauge rail network. The café brakevan is thought to have been last used prior to withdrawal from use by the WAGR on services to Meekatharra, a place that no train has visited since 1978. However, since it’s introduction in the first few years of the 20^th Century, this van would have roamed far and wide and visited the deep south-west, the Great Southern and the Eastern Goldfields as well as seeing use in the northern wheatbelt and Murchison areas. As such it carries a rich legacy of travel in a young, developing state and witnessed countless changes and advancements in it’s useful and varied life, eventually falling victim to these as declining rail travel and motor vehicles rendered carriages like this one redundant.

Unlike most old carriages, this brakevan was one of the lucky ones, surviving the scrapper and the salvage fire and finding a new life as a café outlet under the pines on the Esplanade in Fremantle. Initially it was a novelty, but the carriage has long since become a well recognized icon of the Esplanade landscape. It retains much of its original nature and is easily recognizable for what it once was. Recent significant repairs and upgrading have been of much benefit to the carriage. It’s condition is exceptional when one takes into account that many old railway carriages sold into private ownership deteriorate due to lack of care and their owners not understanding the need to perform continuous maintenance on such items.

The Conservation Plan says at page 134:

The Carriage Café’s core is a timber construction railway carriage, with a curved roof and boarded sides, windows, and doors, to which a skillion roofed timber framed store has been added. In more recent times, a curved roof outdoor dining area has been created, with tables and chairs set on a timber deck. The simple railway carriage notion of 1980 has been overwhelmed by the subsequent additions. The historic association with the place is relatively short. It provides an amenity to The Esplanade, but its aesthetic value is low.

This is not an objective or accurate statement. As has been observed above, it is widely agreed, including in Council Minutes quoted above that the additions (approved by Council in 2004) enhance the carriage, and anyone who visits the site agrees it has a high aesthetic value.

Further, as an iconic and historic genuine 1912 Westrail Carriage it has obvious association with what the Plan calls “[t]he present railway as part of the continuing story of rail transport for it historic and social value”{7}. Note that Master Plan Development Proposal point 22 is for “re-activation of railway station”. Keeping the Carriage in its present setting and form is entirely consistent with this plan.

It looks like a train at the station. It is not overwhelmed by new construction of canopy and decking.

As to the suggestion that the Carriage Café intrudes on the vistas of the Esplanade, we note this is contradicted on page of the Conservation Plan (page 125, photo 126):

In the Essex Street vista, the plantings play a diminished role. Buildings from the late twentieth century frame the vista, and on the Esplanade itself the toilet block, pumping station (1913), and a small number of Norfolk Island Pines frame a long vista to the amphitheatre, as well as recent plantings beyond the earlier Owen Anchorage railway alignment. … In the background the railway fence, Esplanade railway station platform shelter, Fishing Boat Harbour, boat masts, and sky terminate the vista. The Carriage Café lies within the vista, but is not a prominent feature.

Photo by Philip Griffiths Architects March 2006 Photograph 41 Essex Street vista. “This is one of the few vistas in which a connection with the harbour is strong”, according to the Conservation Plan.

The Burra Charter

The Masterplan’s proposal to remove or relocate the Carriage Café is inconsistent with the Burra Charter. Adopting the wording of the Plan, the Burra Charter places constraints on development and change at the Esplanade that would also relate to the use and management of the place and these also relate to significance. It must be recognised that the ongoing use of the place for its traditional purpose and the ongoing use of the small number of buildings for their intended purpose is one of the best means of conserving and sustaining significance. The Conservation Plan should, therefore, be concerned with managing change, if required, so that those aspects of the place that contribute to its significance are properly treated. The combination of the setting, and the general pattern and texture of the small number of low-key buildings, is part of the visual amenity of the place. The Esplanade functions as one of the City’s green lungs and this is a quality that should be retained and conserved.{8}

Article 3 of the Burra Charter “urges that we change as much as necessary in a heritage place, and as little as possible”.

The Preamble to the Burra Charter {9} states:

Places of cultural significance enrich people’s lives, often providing a deep and inspirational sense of connection to community and landscape, to the past and to lived experiences. They are historical records that are important as tangible expressions of Australian identity and experience. Places of cultural significance reflect the diversity of our communities, telling us about who we are and the past that has formed us and the Australian landscape. They are irreplaceable and precious.

These places of cultural significance must be conserved for present and future generations.

The Burra Charter advocates a cautious approach to change: do as much as necessary to care for the place and to make it useable, but otherwise change it as little as possible so that its cultural significance is retained.

In Art 1.2 of the Charter it states: Cultural significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present or future generations. Cultural significance is embodied in the place itself, its fabric, setting, use, associations, meanings, records, related places and related objects. Places may have a range of values for different individuals or groups.

The commentary in the Charter requires a broad interpretation of the concept.

Art 1.3 Fabric means all the physical material of the place including components, fixtures, contents, and objects.

Art 1.6 Preservation means maintaining the fabric of a place in its existing state and retarding deterioration.

Art 2.1 Places of cultural significance should be conserved.

Art 3 requires a cautious approach, which we submit means that rash decisions to relocate the Carriage Café after just six weeks of the Plans being open for public comment, and in the face of the voices represented by this submission, would be contrary to the Charter.

Art 3.1 Conservation is based on a respect for the existing fabric, use, associations and meanings. It requires a cautious approach of changing as much as necessary but as little as possible

The Charter commentary is: “The traces of additions, alterations and earlier treatments to the fabric of a place are evidence of its history and uses which may be part of its significance. Conservation action should assist and not impede their understanding.”

We believe the setting and location of the Carriage Café are integral to the heritage fabric of the Esplanade. We refer to the following Charter principles:

Art 8 Setting: Conservation requires the retention of an appropriate visual setting and other relationships that contribute to the cultural significance of the place. New construction, demolition, intrusions or other changes which would adversely affect the setting or relationships are not appropriate

The commentary is: “Other relationships, such as historical connections, may contribute to interpretation, appreciation, enjoyment or experience of the place.”

Art 9.1 The physical location of a place is part of its cultural significance. A building, work or other component of a place should remain in its historical location. Relocation is generally unacceptable unless this is the sole practical means of ensuring its survival.

A Council decision to remove the Carriage Cafe would ignore the voice of the vast majority of people for whom it has a special significance in the Esplanade. We refer to the following Charter principles:

Art 12: Participation: Conservation, interpretation and management of a place should provide for the participation of people for whom the place has special associations and meanings, or who have social, spiritual or other cultural responsibilities for the place.

Art 26.3 Groups and individuals with associations with a place as well as those involved in its management should be provided with opportunities to contribute to and participate in understanding the cultural significance of the place. Where appropriate they should also have opportunities to participate in its conservation and management.

Therefore we submit that the voices represented in this submission, and in the attached petitions and letters, should be respected. We also refer to the attached Arboriculturalists’ reports (with the experts’ statement of credentials).

Making way for Big Events

Some people have expressed the view that the Carriage Café should be moved because it is in the way of big events, such as the Blues and Roots Festival. However, many are concerned that these large commercial fenced events cause long term damage to the Esplanade and exclude the non-paying public from the Park and so should not occur. Certainly they should not be prioritised over the Carriage Café.

Besides that, such events have occurred in the past with the Café there.

Conclusion

The Carriage Café is not just a cafe in a park. It is a landmark and social centre for many people whose have come to depend on it. We have families who come regularly. Tourists visit from all over Australia and around the world.

We would like to mention two very special regulars: David, who suffers Alzheimer’s, lives at a State Home nearby and walks to the Carriage Café almost every day we are open to chat, eat and enjoy the Park. Jamie, who has a mental handicap, comes every Saturday and Sunday, to kick a footy around (wearing the Dockers’ gear), share a joke, a cool-drink or a pie and hang around all day. As for so many others, the Carriage Café is a meaningful part of their lives.

We bought the Carriage Cafe four years ago because we, our family and our friends have always loved the Esplanade. We have invested a lot financially and emotionally because it is not just a business; it is a part of our lives and all Western Australians’ heritage that we want to conserve for future generations.

Please conserve West Australia’s heritage!

KEL & JUDY SMITH

PROPRIETORS, CARRIAGE COFFEE SHOP

C/o 39 B Daly Street South Fremantle 6162; Mobile: 0411 113 444

Kel Smith with Melissa Parke, Federal Member for Fremantle

{1} Conservation Plan, p182

{2} Summary of Masterplan attached to Mr I James letter of 18 July 2008 and Legend to Masterplan, point 24.

{3} Same source as previous note.

{4} Conservation Plan – Draft August 2006, p134.

{5} According to Esplanade Hotel owner Marylyn New quoted in Fremantle Herald, “Call to shunt café”, 9 August 2008. Ms New said it should be moved as it is in the way of events. Her business would profit from removal of the Carriage Cafe.

{6} See also Conservation Plan page 182 which repeats this assertion without any details.

{7} Conservation Plan page 179, Masterplan page 6.

{8}It is noted that the Conservation Plan adopts these principles (see page 186), but makes recommendations inconsistent with them.

{9}http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/burracharter.html

Carriage Cafe Fremantle WA

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

A passion for all things Fremantle

Monday, April 18, 2011

The Carriage Cafe is still thriving

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Kel Smith on 6PR with Howard Sattler & Simon Beaumont

Saturday, April 25, 2009

[Fremantle Herald] Carriage cafe to stay at park

Friday, April 24, 2009

Carriage Cafe has a life

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Thousands support cafe in park (thewest.com.au)

Thursday, November 27, 2008

SUBMISSION ON ESPLANADE MASTERPLAN AND CONSERVATION PLAN TO FREMANTLE COUNCIL 5TH SEPT 2008

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