Two new local roads in Fremantle being created as part of the modernization and partial realignment of High Street are expected to be named in honor of a pioneering schoolteacher and a family of post-war migrants.

The two new roads will be located from Montreal Street to Wilkinson Street and from Coode Street to Robinson Street on the north side of the noise barriers that will separate residents from the improved main portion of High Street.

The new names are needed to make it easier to identify postal addresses for mail delivery or emergencies.

Following a survey of local residents, the Fremantle Council Finance, Policy, Operations and Legislation Committee voted last night to name one of the new roads Terrazzo Close and the other Pulford Lane , the name Scolaro Lane being recommended as a fallback option.

Deputy Mayor Andrew Sullivan said the names chosen honored important parts of Fremantle’s history.

“Italian immigrants Giuseppe and Anna Scolaro, from our sister city Capo d’Orlando, founded the Universal Tile Factory on nearby Blinco Street soon after arriving in Fremantle in 1949,” said Cr Sullivan.

“Giuseppe was a skillful and talented craftsman who produced a range of decorative terrazzo floor tiles that combined vibrant mixtures of pigments and Italian marble, with intricate patterns and patinas that became brighter over time.

“These terrazzo tiles have become treasured features of many homes around Fremantle, and they are now reinterpreted by local artist Penny Bovell in the design of the artwork that will appear on noise walls along High Street.

“Fanny Pulford was an assistant teacher at the Perth Girls School in 1861 before moving to Fremantle and establishing a girls’ school in the old Rose and Crown Hotel at the corner of High and Queen streets in 1867.

“She then became the principal of the Fremantle Girls School, which was Fremantle’s first public school.

“I am delighted that by naming these two new routes we will honor a distinguished woman from the early colonial history of Fremantle and also a family of post-war migrants who made a significant contribution to the cultural identity of Fremantle. “

Scolaro’s terrazzo tiles are also the subject of an art installation and community exhibit during this year. Fremantle Festival: 10 nights at the port.

As part of their research for Project Artist Penny Bovell and Project Manager Gabrielle Howlett appealed to the community to find homes with the original Universal Tile Factory tile. Over 50 Fremantle landowners submitted their tile designs to be included in the exhibition.

The selected road names will now be submitted to Landgate’s Geographical Names Committee for formal approval and adoption.