Office to handle Chinatown queries

A face has now been given to the $12.7 million project to breath new life into Chinatown with the opening of a dedicated office in the CBD.

The Chinatown Revitalisation Headquarters (HQ) enables the public to discuss plans and concepts with representatives and gather up-to-date information.

Situated on the corner of Short Street and Carnarvon Street at Paspaley Plaza, the office will also be used for demonstrations and displays from local artisans and businesses.

Initially open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 2pm, Shire of Broome president Ron Johnston said the office provided a visual identity for people to hear and speak about the project.

“Having a headquarters for the revitalisation project will encourage broader interest in the project through a physical go-to location, and we look forward to seeing the demonstrations of community activity through offering it as a dynamic space with local businesses and artisans,” he said.

Anyone interested in using the office should watch for expressions of interest as advertised or drop in to talk about the initiative with a team member.

The office opening followed a second wave of workshops involving design team concepts for Carnarvon Street and Dampier Terrace.

More than $400,000 of grant money will become available for business and community initiatives in Chinatown.

The first round of funding is now open with $207,500 available for projects aiming to activate and enhance public and private spaces in Chinatown.

In 2016, the State Government announced a $10 million contribution for detailed feasibility studies and projects to reinforce Chinatown as the cultural, historical and commercial centre of Broome.

The council has committed $2 million with Tourism WA contributing a further $700,000.

The projects identified to be key drivers in the revitalisation of Chinatown were mostly drawn from the Shire’s 2013 Chinatown Development Strategy, developed following extensive community consultation.

The majority of funds will be spent over the next 18 months to improve the aesthetics, comfort and functionality of Chinatown as a place to socialise and do business.

Some funds have also been set aside to investigate the feasibility of more significant projects that will strengthen Chinatown over the longer term.

Implementation of the projects and oversight of the feasibility studies will be undertaken by the Shire, Kimberley Development Commission and LandCorp.