The State Government has given the Chung Wah Association $50,000 for the project. It will also erect a new entry statement on Roe Street featuring lanterns, lighting and road stencilling.
‘We’re going to decorate Chinatown and make it a New Year wonderland with lots of lanterns, Chinese paintings, wall hangings and firecrackers so it generates atmosphere,’ association president Sammy Yap said. .
‘We’re also going to have a stage in the forecourt with performances throughout the day.’
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READ NOWThe Perth Chinese New Year Fair is on February 9.
‘I think, with the entry statement, Chinatown is going to be enhanced and will attract attention. One of the other ideas we have is to look at four columns on the Chinatown side of Roe Street and the other two opposite, which will be a significant size and possibly have dragon carvings and built-in lights.’
Mr Yap said holding celebrations in Chinatown was complex because it was privately owned land, but Government support made it easier to negotiate with the owners.
‘The challenges for us are how we attract the crowds into Chinatown because they will mainly be on James Street. We’re looking at setting up attractive activities on Nick’s Lane that will draw them into the lane and then follow on into Chinatown,’ he said.
The fair, from 11am to 9pm, will include about 100 stalls on James Street.
Northbridge Piazza will be a kids’ zone with waterslides and horse activities celebrating the Chinese Year of the Horse.