Commercial hub improvements penned

An ambitious, short to midterm development plan to transform Chinatown into “the heart and soul of Broome” was released for public comment this week.

For years plans to revitalise Broome’s cultural and commercial heart have been made, documented and reviewed, and now momentum to ensure the precinct’s future is growing among stakeholders – led by the shire.

Broome Shire president Graeme Campbell said the Draft Chinatown Development Strategy was built on aspirations to keep Chinatown as Broome’s main commercial centre but also as a top destination for locals and tourists.

“It aims to capture the imagination of what Chinatown could become,” Mr Campbell said.

“[It] includes a concept plan with 30 different elements and we’re seeking the Broome community’s feedback to determine which, if not all, of these elements they would like to see put into action.

“Proposed developments include a foreshore boardwalk and viewing platforms, an interpretive nature walk through the man-groves, night markets, and rebuilding the old tramway to Town Beach.”

Mr Campbell said under the plans, existing Chinatown icons such as Streeter’s Jetty, the old pearling sheds, Morgan’s Camp and Male Oval could be kept and enhanced.

A number of Chinatown’s roads could be linked and extended to reduce traffic congestion, while walking and cycling to better enjoy the vicinity would be encouraged.

The expansive strategy has resulted from extensive consultation with stakeholders including traders, property owners, Yawuru native title holders, tourism and business organisations and the WA Heritage Council, with input also from expert consultants.

Mr Campbell said now that council had endorsed the strategy, the community could look out for interactive displays at prominent locations around town, as an extensive round of community engagement started.

During this time there would be a number of ways the public could make their views known to the shire.