Local Government
Broome
Region
Kimberley
Frederick/Chapple/Short Sts Broome
Extending from Frederick St to the end of Chapple St and from the end of Short Street to the rear of properties on the eastern side of Dampier Terrace Carnarvon St, Napier Tce, Dampier Tce, Short Street, Frederick, Gray, Hamersley, Stewart & Weld Sts
Includes Aboriginal Site - Undanda
Broome
Kimberley
Constructed from 1880, Constructed from 1920
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 28 Aug 2014 | |
| State Register | Registered | 20 Apr 2004 | HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Aboriginal Heritage Sites Register | Permanent | |||
| Aboriginal Heritage Sites Register | Interim | |||
| Register of the National Estate | Registered | 18 Apr 1989 | ||
| Other Legal Agreement | YES | 18 Aug 2005 | ||
| Classified by the National Trust | Adopted | 07 Jun 1983 | ||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 28 Aug 2014 | Grading A | |
Chinatown Conservation Area is significant for the distinctive features of the architectural style that continues to characterize the area. The existing original fabric is significant for its association with Roebuck Bay’s pearling operations, which commenced about 1880 and were unequalled in Australia, and for the associated improvisation of structures to accommodate not only the tropical climate but to service pearlers, divers, lugger crews and commercial operators, with the cultural diversity of Broome being Western Australia’s first multicultural town being reflected in the nature of the buildings. The place is representative of the types of construction the place contributes to the community’s sense of place for its continued role as the town’s business and retail centre especially for pearl dealers, restaurateurs and general traders. In more recent decades Chinatown is significant as a tourism attraction in Broome.
The place has aesthetic value for the distinctive features that originally defined the mixed, and sometimes contiguous, architectural style of Chinatown, and continue to characterise the area. The contiguous component of this style is typified by small single and two-storey structures, symmetrical facades with small windows, vertically and horizontally lined corrugated galvanised iron wall and roof coverings, storm shutters, lattice screens, verandahs across the facade, balcony. The use of rare for their extensive use of storm shutters, encircling verandah, wind scoop (Hanoe’s Cottage) and masonry stumps that separate the buildings’ envelope from the ground additions, and criss-cross timber balustrade infill; the remaining fabric of the place is historically significant for its association with Roebuck Bay’s pearling operations. The place contains Sun Picture Gardens, a rare example of a purpose built picture garden still in commercial operation.
The area known as Chinatown developed from the first camps and corrugated iron sheds built to house the dive crews. The area was originally called Jap Town because of the number of Japanese divers resident there. As well as housing the boat crews and divers, the area also provided entertainment and was the site of much of the pearling business and commercial activity of Broome. Chinatown was known for the buildings crammed onto the lots, accessed by walkways and lanes from the streets. Most of these buildings have gone, with only those fronting the streets remaining, and the majority of these have been rebuilt or remodelled. New buildings, constructed in the style of the old, have also been added. On the west side of Carnarvon Street, a modern shopping centre has been built. Chinatown is a remnant of Broome's boom pearling years.
Modifications: Various alterations and fitouts.
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage Council of WA Assessment Documentation- Chinatown Conservation Area". | 2003 |
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8335 | Historic buildings of the Kimberley region of W.A. | Book | 1988 |
| 9600 | Broome: maps and places of heritage interest. | Heritage Study {Other} | 0 |
| 6781 | Chinatown development strategy (July 2002). | Report | 2002 |
| 9461 | Documentation of places for entry in the Register of Heritage Places: Chinatown conservation area, Broome. | Heritage Study {Other} | 2001 |
| 7401 | Chinatown development strategy (February 2003). | Heritage Study {Other} | 2003 |
| 1131 | Chinatown development strategy. | Heritage Study {Other} | 1995 |
| 8391 | Streeter & Male staff quarters (fmr). Short Street (rear,) Chinatown, Broome. Archival record. | Archival Record | 2007 |
Precinct or Streetscape
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | COMMERCIAL | Restaurant |
| Original Use | INDUSTRIAL\MANUFACTURING | Other |
| Original Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Theatre or Cinema |
| Present Use | COMMERCIAL | Shop\Retail Store {single} |
| Present Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Theatre or Cinema |
| Style |
|---|
| Vernacular |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | TIMBER | Other Timber |
| Wall | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | CONCRETE | Other Concrete |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OCCUPATIONS | Fishing & other maritime industry |
| OCCUPATIONS | Commercial & service industries |
| OUTSIDE INFLUENCES | Depression & boom |
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Racial contact & interaction |
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Immigration, emigration & refugees |
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Land allocation & subdivision |
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.