Melbourne & Australian Architecture Topics

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/premier/chinatown-lights-up-with-$3.7-million-in-funding.html


Photo by me

CHINATOWN LIGHTS UP WITH $3.7 MILLION IN FUNDING
Monday, 18 May 2009

The Premier John Brumby today announced $2.7 million to reinvigorate Melbourne’s iconic Chinatown precinct in Little Bourke Street.
In Chinatown today, Mr Brumby said the funding towards the $3.7 million project would provide an important boost to revamp the precinct’s vibrancy, ensuring its status as a renowned district for locals and tourists to the city.

“Melbourne Chinatown precinct is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western world and our Government is taking action to ensure this iconic part of our rich heritage remains a world-class destination for Victorians and visitors to our state,” Mr Brumby said.

“Dating back to the Gold Rush era of the 1850s, Chinatown is a distinctive and vibrant part of Melbourne and this funding boost will help to attract even more visitors to this great area and to educate even more people about the rich influence of Chinese cultural here in Victoria. “

Mr Brumby was joined by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle to unveil the first of the infrastructure projects for the area: two contemporary metal lighting poles which create a decorative gateway to the famous Chinatown precinct.

The Victorian Government is contributing more than $1.5 million towards the revamp of the Chinatown precinct with the Melbourne City Council to contribute $970,000.

In addition, the Government will also invest $1.2 million to transform the Chinese Museum to enhance community space, install air conditioning to protect the invaluable exhibits as well as install a Chinatown Visitor Centre.

“The Victorian Government’s funding will facilitate refurbishment of the four Chinese archways that adorn Chinatown, widening of the footpaths to enable alfresco dining and the installation of catenary lighting with Chinese lanterns and down lights to enhance the authentic ambience of Chinatown,” Mr Brumby said.

“It will also involve the upgrading of Heffernan Lane, which connects the Chinese and Greek precincts.”

Mr Brumby said Little Bourke Street works would be funded under the Victorian Government’s $10 million Cultural Precinct Enhancement Fund which is revitalising three culturally significant cultural precincts – Lonsdale, Little Bourke and Lygon Streets.

Melbourne Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle said the reinvigoration of Chinatown would boost its status as one of the city’s most renowned cultural attractions.

“Chinatown is already such a great place to visit for locals and visitors alike with fantastic food, genuine Chinese architecture and offering a dynamic cultural experience,” Mr Doyle said.

“The Melbourne City Council is delighted to be contributing funding towards this important project to make Chinatown an even more vibrant place to visit.”

I noticed some new lamps at the top of Lt Bourke St, sorry I only got one in the photo, I was resting my lil camera on the fence of the parliament gardens.

I haven't been to China, but that pole doesn't look the slightest bit traditional. Looks like someone trying to be funky and modern, but I don't think they pulled it off.

^^ There are two at the Spring Street entrance to Little Bourke Street and they look great lit up at night!

They do look a bit like those side walk cafe lamps, just bigger. I agree they look great at night, but a bit ordinary during the day. I am also convinced the right hand one is on a slight lean.