Of all town centres in Western Australia, none has the history of Broome’s Chinatown precinct. With foundational ties that stretch back to the Dreaming, and more recently as a melting pot of Australian, Indigenous, Chinese, and Japanese cultures – these stories are woven into the streets, presenting a rich tapestry.
In 2020, against the backdrop of COVID-19 and closed Kimberley borders, the Shire of Broome commenced works to add to that story.
With the second stage of the Chinatown Revitalisation Project, the Shire of Broome has strengthened its commitment to the area, ensuring it remains the beating heart of the town.
The project has no shortage of challenges, including a brownfield site with live services, operating businesses within the construction zone, tropical cyclones, flooding, and a work zone that can be sporadically inundated by some of the biggest tides in the world.
As with any urban amenity upgrade, the works are equal part science and art.
Front end engineering was completed to ensure the design was suitable and could withstand the monsoonal conditions Broome is subject to, while upgrading the overall aesthetic of the area.
With sustainability in mind, every effort was made to retain existing material on site for re-use, thus limiting waste.
The works will activate the streetscape including alfresco dining opportunities, hundreds of new shade trees being planted and new seating provided throughout.
However, the crown jewel of the works is how the new area tells the important stories of Broome. Light poles are laser cut to pay homage to the Chinese, Japanese, and the pearling stories synonymous with the area.
New public art installations honour the timeless connection between the native pearl shell and the indigenous Yawuru People.
The works add another chapter to the story of Broome, hopefully to be enjoyed for years to come.
