James Street Cultural Precinct - Consultation

Stakeholders have identified potential benefits of having additional commercial activity in the precinct. This has been reinforced by preliminary investigations carried out by economic development consultant, Pracsys. Commercial activity could include tourism businesses, business incubation, hospitality, small scale retail and diversified accommodation options. Some concern has been identified that any commercial activity does not negatively impact businesses in the town center.

Many stakeholders have identified that collocation (the grouping together) of complementary community, cultural and tourism uses could provide benefits to stakeholders, the Shire and visitors alike. Befits include improved user experiences, additional and longer visit times, sharing resources and saving on capital and operational costs. Collocation models of development are also more likely to attract government funding than multiple stand-alone developments.

The Country Women’s Association currently reside and manage a small hall on James Street. The two small groups who operate out of the hall are very passionate about their role in the community. The hall is provided at very affordable rates for a variety of community uses. The Esperance District Recreation Association (EDRA) currently resides in a small building adjacent to the CWA hall. EDRA represents and provides support to various sporting groups. EDRA will be relocating to a new facility beyond the James Street Precinct. The Esperance Volunteer Resource Centre is currently in a tenancy facing RSL Memorial Park. It provides information and support to volunteers and agencies working with volunteers. The Shire has identified the potential for the resource centre to collocate with other community facilities in the

James Street precinct.

The Esperance Community Arts Centre is currently located in a tenancy on Dempster street opposite the precinct. The Centre has identified issues with remaining in its current location and would like to explore opportunities to relocate within the precinct, potentially collocating with other community and cultural facilities.

The customs and goods shed was constructed in 1895 as a bonded store and goods shed. It was enlarged in 1896, 1902 and 1980s. The shed was linked by rail to the town jetty, where goods were imported and exported, and inland to the goldfields. While not currently listed on the State’s Heritage Register, the shed is important as a reminder of the history of Esperance as the port and town and valued by the community. The iconic building provides a strong focus for the precinct. The Shed has housed the Esperance Museum since 1976. Stakeholders have identified some challenges with managing the museum collection as the building is not well suited to climate control.

A common wish for the precinct from the stakeholder engagement was for buildings and spaces to be flexible and encourage use by a more diverse range of visitors, locals and tourists alike. There was also a strong desire for the precinct to support more use at night and during hot, windy or cold/wet weather.

Indigenous history is an essential aspect of Esperance, and there is a desire within the Shire for this to be integrated more. Space for learning, sharing and experiencing indigenous culture can be created to strengthen the relationship with the community. Stakeholders indicated a lack of visibility of indigenous representation in the precinct. Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC) are the first point of contact for government and other parties who want to conduct business with traditional owners in Esperance. ETNTAC have shown an interest in supporting greater indigenous recognition in the precinct.

The library needs replacing due to the age and condition of the existing building. Contemporary libraries offer a far more diverse range of services and spaces for community use. A library in the James Street precinct will strengthen the precinct’s community and cultural offering. There are also synergies with other existing and potential community and tourism uses. 

The Esperance Bay Historical Society established the initial collection of objects in 1975 and the collection has developed over time to include archives. The Esperance Bay Historical Society formally handed over the collection ownership, management and care to the Shire of Esperance and continues to support the Esperance Museum. Volunteers from the Historical Society and other groups are an important resource in the operation of the Museum and provision of visitor experiences.

Situated on Dempster Street at the northern end of the precinct, the Village is a collection of relocated historical buildings managed by the Shire. Initially, the Village was aimed at providing opportunities for startup and incubator businesses. It now has a range of business. While the exterior of the buildings is authentic and each being sign-posted and dated, the interiors have been modified to support the tenant use. The Village also regularly hosts popular markets. The Village is currently disconnected from the rest of the precinct by the Sound Shell amphitheater.

A parking and access strategy has been prepared by the Shire. It identifies generally a surplus of particularly off-street car parking, although residents and visitors may have difficulty understanding where to find the most appropriate carparking. There are challenges regarding providing appropriate caravan and trailer parking. The strategy identified issues with vehicle dominance in the Town negatively impacting on pedestrians and suggests improvements for pedestrian connectivity and amenity.

Grace Darling Park holds great sentimental meaning to many Esperance residents who grew up playing at and/or have taken their children and grandchildren to Grace Darling Park. The Park used to be home to a steam roller, but this has subsequently been removed. While the play equipment provides limited play value and newer playgrounds have been constructed nearby, the park is still popular due to its large, fenced, flexible lawn spaces and ease of access.

RSL Memorial Park provides a setting for heritage buildings and the ANZAC memorial. The survey indicated ANZAC day services as the most memorable thing to happen in the precinct. The Esperance RSL Sub-Branch currently utilises one of the heritage buildings. There are currently no plans to change this arrangement. The other building is used as a  public toilet. Several people commented during the stakeholder and community engagement phase that the modern tank located in the park did not seem to have much relevance to the place.

The Sound Shell provides an outdoor venue for performances and other events. The shell appears to be popular with parts of the community. There are some significant challenges with the current configuration of the shell including; lack of visibility (promotion and safety), poor access, anti-social behavior, and operational events (size, flexibility, fencing for paid events). Provision of a high quality flexible outdoor space in the precinct that can be used for events and can be used more often throughout the year was highly supported during consultation.

TransWA provide a bus service that collects passengers from a stop located Dempster Street northeast of James Street. Tickets are sold from the Visitor Centre. This service must be considered in any proposals for the precinct. An historical train station waiting room was relocated to this location and has potential to be re purposed in the precinct.

The visitor center is currently located on the corner of Dempster and Kemp Streets. The Shire currently manages the center. A Feasibility and Business Case Development was carried out for the center in June 2018. The study explored and made recommendations regarding the role and functions of the visitor center and potential new locations to improve tourism outcomes.