Community PORT COOGEE’S UNIQUE COASTAL CHARACTERS
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ORT COOGEE IS AN EXEMPLAR of something people the world over recognise as quintessentially Australian living — laid-back coastal lifestyle with a close-knit community feel. There’s something about the interplay of elements — sand, sea, salty air, and glorious sunsets — that makes seaside living a unique and highly sought-after experience. Frasers Property General Manager of Development WA, Tod O’Dwyer, says there’s a special alchemy in these natural elements that are irresistibly attractive to humans. “Australia’s an island nation, and the pull of water is something I think we all feel,” says Tod. “Whether it’s the annual beach holiday or a daily ocean swim, we are all drawn to the sea. And that’s at the heart of the enduring appeal of coastal communities; you just feel different when you’re there. More relaxed somehow.” With its thriving local community and busy marina, you could be forgiven for thinking that Port Coogee, located just 5kms from Fremantle, has been around forever. Into its fifteenth year of development, the project is about to address the most exciting part of its life cycle — the marina village precinct. Though still under design, Tod says the vision for the precinct is to create a hub for the community that’s activated night and day with bars, cafes, and restaurants. “We’ve reached a really pinnacle moment in the creation of Port
Coogee,” explains Tod. “The marina has been hugely popular for boat owners, and we’re excited to build on that to create a harbourside hub where you can come down and enjoy a sundowner cocktail with friends or some fresh seafood straight off the boat.” So, given the unique character of coastal places, is there additional pressure when designing beachside communities versus urban communities? “I think so, yes,” says Tod. “The central design focus has always got to be the water. So, you’re constantly thinking about how to address the water and the viewlines to the water in everything you do. That touches everything from the housing typologies to the choice of street trees. These kinds of sites don’t come along often — they’re unique and very rare. So, you really want to get it right. There’s a huge sense of privilege with not only providing a place for people to make their home but shaping their experience of coastal culture. Getting it right is something we don’t take lightly.” But careful and considerate design is only one of the ways that Port Coogee has come to life. The other is the people that live, work, play and celebrate life in this part of the world. We caught up with a few of the local characters of Port Coogee to understand what makes living in this part of the world so unique. Live proud | Autumn/Winter 2021
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