Market for cruise visitors approved

A pub carpark will be transformed into an open-air market area as the official welcome point for cruise ship visitors to Broome.

The Shire of Broome has approved 13 3mx3m stall marquees in the central parking area of the Roebuck Bay Hotel.

The stalls will be available to Chinatown retailers, local artists and businesses as well as community groups.

The markets are proposed to open over the days and hours that 12 cruise ships berth at the port from March 23-November 21. The number of passenger liners visiting town is expected to increase by a further two or three ships in 2018, meaning about 15 markets being held next year.

Cruise ship passengers will be transported to the site on coaches operated by Broome Transit, which has been using the pub carpark as a drop-off and pick-up point for them over several years.

Lighting and toilets will be made available from the hotel and parking for the general public will still be available on the outer perimeter of the site.

Development approval was required because a number of hotel car bays will become unavailable and the markets exceed 48 hours within a 12-month period.

Council officers said in an agenda report the on-site parking requirement could be waived as alternative bays outside were still available to cope with overflow and the length of time they were unavailable over two years was considered “acceptable”.

Approval was given subject to conditions, including expiry of permission on March 30, 2019, and that traffic-management measures must be implemented by the operator at all times when the markets are open to avoid conflict between pedestrians and vehicles.