28 Mar, 2017

Reinvigoration of Chinatown to Begin

The City of Adelaide last night voted to begin work on a reinvigoration of Chinatown in the city’s market district.

Council approved a budget of $100,000 for engagement, activation and shopfront improvements in the precinct.

The reinvigoration of Chinatown is a key part of the Market District masterplan and will help to position the city and the district for activity, visitation and investment, in particular from China. Enhancing Chinatown is a key goal within Council’s Market District masterplan, a ten year strategy adopted in 2015.

City of Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin Haese said that it is important for Adelaide to have an attractive, activated, colourful Chinatown - acknowledging the strong connection between Asia and Adelaide - and a place of welcome in relation to increasing interest from China and broader Asia.

“Chinatown was first created along Moonta Street in the early 1990s, with further upgrades and investment in 2004.

“I think the time is now right for us to have a look at the future of Chinatown because of the growth of the Chinese community in Adelaide and South Australia, along with the growth of tourism with China Southern airways now flying into Adelaide on a regular basis.

“More of our businesses are now trading with China, and the number of international students in Adelaide continues to grow, with many from China.

“The funding approved by Council last night will enable activation and events in the area, improvements to shopfronts, and a study on what is needed to improve the precinct.

“We will work with the Chinese community and other stakeholders surrounding Chinatown and within the whole market district to build a very clear vision for the area.

“I think we can make some improvements to Chinatown – it needs to be a showcase for all things Chinese in the City of Adelaide. We need to make it attractive to people, day and night. It’s good, but let’s make it great.”

An extensive community engagement process was undertaken as a key part of the development of Our Market District masterplan. These ideas form a starting point for local engagement, which coupled with design and asset advice, will assist in developing a reinvigoration plan. The intention is also to draw on ideas and learnings emerging as part of the Market to Riverbank project.

This is an opportunity for Council to work in partnership with a range of stakeholders to bring about Chinatown’s reinvigoration and an opportunity to reinforce the proud tradition of multiculturalism.

Broad-based engagement will inform a reinvigoration plan during 2017-18. ‘Quick win’ enhancements will be implemented while the longer term reinvigoration works are planned for delivery.

Paula Stevens