Alfresco dining for Chinatown

Outdoor trading and alfresco-style dining will be trialled for three weeks on Broome’s Dampier Terrace in an effort to increase patronage to Chinatown during the tourist season.

Dampier Terrace would be closed to traffic from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, between Napier Terrace and Short Street, from August 1-19.

This would allow existing businesses within the vicinity to expand their trading or dining activities onto the street.

The pedestrian-friendly mall would include tables, chairs and umbrellas adjacent to dining venues to help create atmosphere.

The Shire of Broome will manage the project after discussing ways of revitalising Chinatown with traders in the shopping hub.

Buskers, street performers and a retail “sidewalk sale” have been identified as potential additions to the experience.

In an ordinary council meeting agenda report to councillors last week, events and economic development co-ordinator Rhondda Chappell said alfresco dining would create a “vibrant retail and entertainment experience for tourists and locals”.

Ms Chappell said it would bring activity to the CBD with potential to stimulate the economy, particularly for Chinatown-based businesses.

“Broome has the perfect weather for outdoor dining in August and this is the period of highest tourist visitation to the region, making August the perfect time to undertake this trial project,” she said.

David Galwey, the owner of Dampier Terrace business Galwey Pearls, said it was an opportunity to “bring the community back into Chinatown”.

“This presents a wonderful opportunity to energise Chinatown by offering an alfresco area for residents and tourists to interact, relax and rediscover Chinatown,” he said.

Roebuck Bay Hotel manager Mike Windle said it was a positive move that brought Broome into line with other tourist towns.