Contract awarded and timelines announced
Construction works on Stage Two of Broome’s Chinatown Revitalisation Project will start soon following the award of a contract to Georgiou Group Pty Ltd. Works are expected to commence in November and continue through to mid 2021.
The $14.5 million upgrades, funded by the State Government and the Shire of Broome, will include improved road layouts, shade during the day and lighting at night, alfresco meeting places and street furniture, trees and green space plantings, public art and interpretive trails and versatile parking layouts including a transit hub.
Shire of Broome President Harold Tracey said the contract award and upcoming start of construction was a major milestone for Stage Two of the project.
“The contract award is an important milestone and finalises our negotiations with the contractor which will ensure the best possible value and outcomes for our community.
“Local content and employment were at the forefront of our negotiations, and I’m pleased to see that up to 70% of the contract sum is forecast to be injected directly into our economy through our local contractors who will be undertaking the majority of the works.
“We also recognise Chinatown traders need to continue operating their businesses with as little disruption as practically possible throughout the construction period and we are already working very hard with the contractor to ensure this remains front of mind from the start of the works.”
The Premier Hon. Mark McGowan BA LLB MLA with the Chinatown Team
Construction timeline and trader information
Construction is scheduled to commence at the beginning of November, with works to be split into three smaller stages through the wet season to facilitate ongoing access.
During the works, temporary road closures will be required on Carnarvon Street, Short Street and Napier Terrace, with diversions in place and construction being staggered to ensure access to all businesses is retained. Pedestrian access in all areas will be maintained throughout the entire construction period and businesses will be open as usual.
Information regarding access and roadwork maps for construction areas, including temporary road closures and alternative parking, will be advertised and made available on our website, in this newsletter and on the Chinatown Facebook page. Traders can also contact Julia, Chinatown Coordinator on 9191 8738 or Julia.Mikhlik@broome.wa.gov.au to find out more.
Estimated construction schedule
Broome’s CRC helps everyone get online
Step through the door of Broome’s Community Resource Centre and you’ll find an array of computers, videoconferencing and printing facilities at your disposal, as well as friendly staff to help you negotiate your way through getting online.
As part of the Good Things Foundation’s Get Online week from 19-25 October, and assisted by a $500 Chinatown Activation Grant, the CRC hosted an open day to help spread the word about their facilities and services available, give people a chance to hear from other providers about digital apps and services, and even take part in the National Great Online Quiz.
The Broome Community Resource Centre staff ready for customers
CRC Manager Franky O’Connor said that it was more important than ever for everyone to be able to get online to access services, and hosting an open day gave people the chance to pop in and find out more.
“Whether it’s accessing vital government services digitally, or being able to make a Zoom or Facetime call to catch up with friends and family, nowadays it’s more important than ever for people to be able to access the internet,” she said.
“At the CRC we can help you navigate your way around the internet and provide you with all the support you need to get online, in a friendly, low-cost environment.”
The CRC is located at 40 Dampier Terrace. Visit Broome CRC on Facebook @BroomeCRC or call them on 9193 7153.
Inaugural Roeyfest a hit with families and foodies
The Roebuck Bay Hotel’s first-ever Roeyfest was a huge hit with over 1,500 people attending over the two days of the event on the September long weekend.
Around 30 stalls celebrating local, national and international food, wine, beer and spirits, were set up in the festival area created in the Roey car park alongside art stalls and kids’ activities including the bouncy castle and face painting.
The Roebuck Bay Hotel’s Promotions, Marketing and Events Manager Tamara Burchell said she decided to organise the festival after being challenged to do an event that included use of the car park.
“I’ve always loved these types of events and wanted to try a food and wine festival in Broome. After we re-opened once COVID restrictions were eased, we set about organising the festival, aided by an events team including 15 new staff to set up and manage the event on the day,” Tamara said.
“We were really pleased with the number of local traders and food stalls that came on board, as well as the support shown for the event by the Broome community and visitors.”
The Roeyfest was assisted by a $500 Chinatown Activation Grant.
L-R: Relaxing on the Chinatown beanbags at Roeyfest; James Down from Broome Gallery
Chinatown planning recognised at national awards
The Chinatown Revitalisation Project, along with project partners the Shire of Broome, DevelopmentWA and the Kimberley Development Commission received high accolades at the recent Planning Institute of Australia national awards.
The project received a commendation in the Plan to Place category, which recognises the implementation of a plan into a successful place. The Judges commented that the project represented an incredible commitment to building community around an iconic Australian place, and was more than simply delivering a civil works program, recognising our commitment to placemaking.
WA PIA Awards, 2019
Chinatown Revitalisation Project FAQs
If you have a question about the Chinatown Revitalisation project, we’ve created a page on our website dedicated to answering commonly asked questions. Simply click here to find out more, and if you still have questions, please send them to us!
Dates for Your Diary
November 2020 to July 2021 - Stage Two construction underway
November - December - Partial road closures at Short Street West and Napier Terrace East/West
Friday 4 December - Christmas Trails & Celebration
May 2021 - Chinatown Discovery Festival
