Stage Two Underway!
Welcome to the first edition of the Chinatown monthly newsletter for 2020! With planning work on Stage Two of the revitalisation project moving rapidly ahead behind the scenes, here’s an overview of the sub-projects planned.
The detailed design phase is underway to refine the existing master plan and develop the projects into a ‘shovel ready’ package for tender and construction starting in 2020, and we’ll be sharing more of the plans with you as they progress!
Streetscape Enhancement and Smart Cities
Carnarvon Street north, Napier Terrace and Short Street will all undergo similar enhancements as Stage One delivered for Dampier Terrace and Carnarvon Street south, including upgraded landscaping, street furniture, shade structures and road treatments, as well as Smart Cities enabling items like Wi-Fi and smart irrigation.
Streeters Jetty
Broome’s historic pearling era jetty will be refurbished into a safe and interpretive tourist destination.
Visitor Amenities
A new ablution facility will be created within the Chinatown Precinct, likely co-located with the Broome Visitor Centre to expand the existing facilities and encourage visitors to the centre.
Transit Hub
Versatile parking will be created on Napier Terrace to cater for buses and cruise ship drop offs / pick-ups.
Public Art
An artistically rich and diverse team will be working on new standalone works in Stage Two to complement the existing pieces throughout Chinatown. The specific nature and location of the artworks will be part of the overall Stage Two planning process.
Meet Julia, your Chinatown Coordinator!
Have you met your new Chinatown Place and Activation Coordinator yet? Julia Mikhlik started her new role in November last year, and hit the ground running engaging with stakeholders on the Stage Two project. Having spent 15 years in the private sector in stakeholder management, customer relations and business development, Julia recently moved to Broome and immediately fell in love with the warmth, lifestyle and raw landscapes the town has to offer.
“I love a good challenge and have a passion for achieving positive outcomes in everything I do. I’ve just survived my first wet season and am looking forward to exploring more of the region, as well as getting to know the Chinatown community better, and of course seeing the Stage Two project come to fruition,” she said.
Julia is also excited to be collaborating closely with the Chinatown Town Team on future place making initiatives, particularly in response to COVID-19 recovery. Watch this space for more info soon!
If you have any questions or would like to talk to Julia about Chinatown activations or events, contact her on 0466 148763 or Julia.mikhlik@broome.wa.gov.au
Clifton Collective Open for Business
Opening a new business in the middle of a pandemic was not part of long time Broome resident Kelly Clifton’s original plan for her home, fashion and giftwares boutique in Paspaley Plaza.
But despite these challenges, Kelly has forged ahead and fulfilled her dream, inspired by a passion to showcase her own BARE leather products, which started by selling products at the market and has now progressed to a full time shopfront in the form of Clifton Collective.
“I’ve always wanted to be able to sell the BARE leather range in a retail setting, so when the opportunity came up for a shopfront in Chinatown, where I could also sell other products that I’m passionate about, I jumped at the chance.
“As it turned out, opening in Chinatown was the best move and I haven’t looked back. Despite the pandemic, it has definitely been worth opening and the community and Paspaley Plaza have been fantastic in their support,” Kelly said.
Clifton Collective is a family affair, with daughters Briony and Paige looking after the dog, baby and hair lines, supplying their own products and sourcing others, and husband Troy supplying Broome Time Honey.
Clifton Collective can be found in Paspaley Plaza, between Chinatown Newsagency and Kitchen Cabana, or online at www.cliftoncollectivebroome.com.au.
Businesses Innovate Due to COVID
Chinatown is well and truly open for business despite everything the world has thrown at us so far in 2020. Whilst there is no doubt that COVID-19 has significantly affected all areas of Broome’s economy, we have been really impressed with the way many businesses have innovated to create new opportunities and service existing customers.
It started with most cafés and restaurants who were hit hardest switching to take away and offering delivery, then retailers like Broome Thyme and On The Lane offering delivery or zero contact drop offs, or opening their doors especially for private appointments to comply with social distancing guidelines.
Others have changed their product offering to fill gaps in the market, like the Roebuck Hotel who have created gift hampers for sale and delivery, and many have enhanced their online presence or created virtual tours or experiences.
As restrictions start to ease, we can’t wait to see the next innovations as residents get out and about, keen to support local businesses or sit down for a meal out. If you’re in a business that’s innovating, let us know so we can publicise your offering on our social media channels!
Do you have a great idea to attract people into Chinatown and to shop local?
As part of our activation initiatives, we’re offering Chinatown based businesses a $500 grant towards in-store promotions, events and activations which attract customers and increase trade.
The grants will be available until June 2021.
To apply simply contact Julia in the first instance; Julia.Mikhlik@broome.wa.gov.au
Dates for Your Diary
March to June 2020 - Stage Two detailed design
July to September 2020 - Stage Two tender process
October 2020 to June 2021 - Stage Two construction
May 2021 - Chinatown Discovery Festival
