Frequently Asked Questions

 

Chinatown Revitalisation Stage Two (CRP2)

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When is construction for Stage Two planned to take place?

Construction commences in November 2020 when head contractor Georgiou Group starts on site, and finished on schedule in August 2021.

Construction was staged to minimise disruption and maintain access to all businesses in the precinct whilst completing works in a timely manner, and to minimise the potential impact of excessive wet weather. The program wass scheduled to continue through the wet season with a short break over the Christmas / New Year period.

More detailed timelines were communicated through social media, news stories and the monthly Chinatown newsletter distributed during the timeframe of the project. While these eNewsletters are now finished, if you want to receive any potential future notifications, please subscribe via the link on our home page.

When will we know about the road works timeline?

The following indicative roadworks timeline was been provided by the contractor and is now complete. The works were staged to ensure access to businesses was maintained with as little disruption as possible.

Where can I park during construction?

There was plenty of parking available with access to all stores within Chinatown throughout the construction period. The Paspaley Plaza upstairs carpark is accessible to most 4WD's with a clearance height of 2250mm.

Check out the parking map here for access points to each parking area.


Will you be constructing all the streets simultaneously?

The project used a staged approach during the construction program to maintain access to the precinct and minimise disruption. Roadworks occurred first, with landscaping following on each of the streets.

 

Will my shop be accessible during the construction?

Pedestrian access was maintained to all properties within the precinct throughout construction. This project delivered a number of complex elements and as such vehicle access in some areas, was restricted for periods or alternate temporary vehicle access and detours provided. A stakeholder engagement plan was developed by the head contractor to ensure accurate and timely communication in advance were provided directly to impacted properties within the precinct.

 

Why is the project still proceeding whilst the country is experiencing an economic downturn/COVID-19 crisis?

As the tier of government close to the community, local governments have a critical role in delivering vital services and supporting their communities. Local governments are now also playing a key role in protecting the community from the impacts of COVID-19. Timely, targeted investment in key projects generates employment and injects a reliable cash flow into local businesses and families. This helped bolster the local economy and improve economic confidence during and post COVID-19.

The State Government encouraged local governments to bring forward projects that would support local communities and economic recovery from COVID-19. To ensure the support for the local economy is maximised local content is a key focus in the procurement process. The Chinatown Revitalisation Stage 1 Project delivered a local spend of over 75% and delivered significant employment, training and aboriginal engagement outcomes. The intent is to surpass these outcomes in CRP2.

The works commenced at the start of the wet season to minimise disruption and increase local contractor work opportunities during the quietest time of year. The project completed major works and delivered a revitalised Chinatown precinct for visitors and locals to enjoy during the 2021 dry season which also helped encourage the economic recovery post COVID-19.

 

Is parking being reduced as part of CRP2?

The overall number of parking bays within the precinct was maintained throughout the project area however some site-specific bays will be relocated to allow the project to deliver a more pedestrian and visitor-friendly environment.

 

Will businesses be compensated for the disruptions to trade during CRP2?

No. CRP2, the Shire and the project partners did not allocate funds for any compensation claims. The project was strategically planned to minimise disruptions and we worked closely with property owners and Chinatown traders to assist in reducing any impacts.

 

Can I still come to Chinatown during CRP2 works?

Yes! Chinatown was still open for business as usual and we encouraged all locals and tourists to visit Chinatown throughout the construction period to support local businesses. Staging of works ensured access into the precinct throughout construction was always easy. The outcomes delivered in Stage 1 provide high amenity streetscapes for visitors and locals to enjoy the precinct all year round, regardless of any construction in progress.

 

Has drainage been considered as part of CRP2?

The design team have taken into consideration previous storm events, modelling and drainage studies conducted within the precinct. The detailed design has considered the relevant modelling and provided engineering solutions to resolve historic stormwater issues and pooling within the precinct. Excessive wet weather was been considered through the construction period and relevant contingencies were in place for time and cost-related impacts.

 

Are the Neem trees on Short Street (East) being retained?

Yes. The Neem trees on Short Street (East) were retained. These are mature trees that provide much-needed shade and amenity within the precinct. The Chinatown precinct is a highly maintained urban environment and the project intended to retain these trees until the ‘new’ landscaping treatment has become established and is delivering the desired cooling effect. At this point retention of these trees will be reassessed.

 

Is the land in front of Streeter’s Jetty being developed as part of CRP2?

The land adjacent to the Streeter’s Jetty is privately owned. There are no plans for this land to be developed as part of CRP2. The project will realise improvements to the verge in front of Streeter’s Jetty including the installation of a public art piece.


Where will the transit hub be located? 

An innovative transit hub is being planned on Napier Terrace that utilises a versatile layout to temporarily transform an area of car parking bays into a pop-up tourism bus depot, and can be used as the strategic drop off and welcoming point into Broome on cruise ship days.

Other areas being designed with flexible parking arrangements to accommodate larger vehicles at specific times have been identified on Short Street and Dampier Terrace.