Albert Hall Studio: Historic North Fremantle building destroyed by fire, investigators probe cause

A heritage-listed building in North Fremantle on the market for less then a week has been destroyed by fire. Firefighters rushed to the Albert Hall on Pearse Street following reports the two-storey structure caught alight about 6.15pm on Sunday. With fears the brick, wood and limestone property would collapse once it was engulfed by flames, crews were unable to enter the former community hall and church and were instead fighting the blaze from the roadside. Neighbouring resident Tim was one of many witnesses who watched the house burn down. “All the neighbours were out in distress, it was pretty traumatic to watch,” he said. “To lose something like this and to see it the way it is . . . it’s really disappointing.” The fire caused an estimated $2 million in damage, with part of the property collapsing just after 10pm. It was not until midnight that crews fully contained the blaze. The property has been up for sale since last week. A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said nobody was home at the time of the fire. No other properties were damaged by the blaze. On Monday, a DFES spokesperson said fire investigation officers could not determine the cause of the blaze due to the structural damage of the building, but it was not being treated as suspicious. The investigation is still ongoing. City of Fremantle mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said she was optimistic the facade could be preserved to honour the building’s heritage. “It has an amazing history and to lose it so shockingly is genuinely sad,” she said. “Just a few days ago the building was listed online for sale at 1.6 million dollars. It will now have to be demolished but there are some hopes this historic facade could be preserved. “Obviously they’ll have to do some assessment work and let us know but it would be fantastic if we could keep even that aspect of the building in place.” According to an online listing, the property was named after Queen Victoria’s husband, Albert the Prince. The listing posted last Wednesday said the owners were selling with “great reluctance” after living at the property for 30 years. “It has provided the environment for hosts of happy memories, for easy access to Fremantle and the Indian ocean and for building a lifestyle of variety, safety, satisfaction and enjoyment,” it said. “They believe it will do the same for you.” The property is reported to have been first used in 1899 for a ball and concert.