$11.95 million for Broome’s job-boosting Chinatown development

  • McGowan Government provides significant investment to Broome’s iconic business, retail and entertainment area to create local jobs and boost the economy
  • Investment of $11.95 million for Stage 2 of the Broome Chinatown Revitalisation program follows the $14.2 million Stage 1 works completed in May, which marked a major step forward for tourism and local businesses
  • 10 sub-projects will create construction jobs and will help strengthen Chinatown’s position as the Broome tourist epicentre
  • Latest investment comes as tourism in Broome reaches new heights 
  • The McGowan Labor Government is investing $11.95 million towards the next stage of the Broome Chinatown Revitalisation program to construct a signature tourism precinct with hospitality, entertainment and retail options to better attract visitors, create jobs and stimulate the local economy. 

    The $15.55 million Stage 2 program of works is in collaboration with the Shire of Broome, which has committed $3.6 million towards the development, to help strengthen Chinatown as Broome’s tourism, retail and entertainment hub.

    Stage 2 works will comprise 10 sub-projects with construction expected to create 27 direct jobs and 53 indirect jobs during construction, and includes 10 Aboriginal employment opportunities.

    The Stage 2 Streetscape Enhancement Detailed Design work is expected to get underway shortly. It will refine the concept plan, assess and review priority projects including the Short Street Upgrade and the Napier Terrace Upgrade and Pocket Park Development, getting them ready for tender and construction.

    Significant infrastructure will be central to the Stage 2 development projects, which will include a dedicated transit area at Dampier Terrace to provide a welcoming rest spot for regional buses and tours along with cruise ship passengers.

    Alongside these works will be the Streeter’s Jetty refurbishment to support marine and coastal tour operations which will transform the historic pearling era jetty into a safe and interpretative tourist destination. Amenities, shade structures, power and lighting will be included as part of this project.

    The Broome Visitor Centre, located at the entry point of Chinatown, will be expanded to provide better amenities to enhance patronage at the centre which currently provides a free booking service for tours, accommodation and vehicle hire for Broome and the Kimberley region.

    Other project work includes drainage systems to combat the wet season, road upgrades to provide a better connection to Male Oval, upgraded lighting, street furniture, shade and shelter, and street trees.

    The McGowan Government has committed $22 million towards the Broome Chinatown Revitalisation program through Stages 1 and 2 of the project.

    The Chinatown Revitalisation project (Stage 1) was a $14.2 million project that was a major step forward for tourism and local businesses in the Kimberley region. Completed in May, it included significant planning, feasibility studies and aesthetic improvements throughout the precinct such as events and grant funding to encourage the community to think differently about Broome’s Chinatown area.

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “My Government is investing heavily into the Broome Chinatown development because we want to pump more business activity into the area to help attract more visitors into the Kimberley region – getting people into shops, cafés, restaurants and bars.

     

    “Around 80 jobs are expected to be created through the construction phase including 10 Aboriginal employment opportunities. Once the development is complete, it’s expected there will be more employment benefits through ongoing job opportunities and the flow on effect to meet increase tourism levels and business activity.”

    As stated by Treasurer Ben Wyatt:

    “This investment builds on the revitalisation of one of Australia’s most unique urban centres.

    “Chinatown captures the fusion of Aboriginal history, European settlement and Asian migration over the past 140 years in a way that no other Australian town does.”

    As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

    “Chinatown is the heart of Broome, and our Government is getting on with turning this renowned precinct into a world-class tourist destination – driving local jobs for Broome retailers, cafés and bars.

    “We had strong local content outcomes on the Stage 1 works, creating local jobs and providing added benefit to the local construction industry: and we expect the same again in Stage 2.”

    As stated by Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:

    “Chinatown holds an important place as part of Broome’s identity and is known for its historical significance, tourism connection, local business, retail and entertainment area.

    “We need to work together to ensure Broome grows as a well-recognised tourist destination, securing jobs and economic opportunity.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.