The Dixon Street precinct in Haymarket is all abuzz with the news that the iconic ceremonial gates in Sydney’s Chinatown will soon be awarded heritage status. The prestigious recognition is part of a broader initiative to revitalise the historic district.
The decision to grant heritage status to the Chinatown gates, marking each end of Dixon Street’s northern and southern sides, stems from a concerted effort by the local Australian government following extensive public consultation. Dixon Street has been lauded as the “heart of Chinatown,” whilst the gates are seen as a cultural symbol in Sydney.
The move aligns with the Sydney City Council’s proposed $44-million Haymarket and Chinatown revitalisation strategy, which gained momentum in 2020 amidst a decline in visitor numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crafted by local architect and politician Henry Tsang, the gates draw inspiration from traditional Chinese arches known as “damen.” They were unveiled in 1980, coinciding with the formal recognition of Chinatown by then-Sydney Lord Mayor Nelson Meers.
Chinese migration to Sydney traces back to 1818, with substantial waves settling in Haymarket during the 1870s following the establishment of Belmore Markets. By the 1920s, the area had become a bustling economic and sociocultural hub for the Chinese community.
Vincent Lim, president of the Haymarket Chamber of Commerce, emphasises the gates’ significance as a defining landmark for Chinatown, akin to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge for Sydney.
Dr. Sophie Loy-Wilson, a historian at the University of Sydney, underscores their resilience, surviving challenges such as Sydney’s bubonic plague outbreak in 1900 and the impacts of the White Australia Policy.
“While other Chinatowns in central Sydney have diminished in importance, Haymarket has remained a special place for the community,” Ms Loy-Wilson said.
Meanwhile, the City’s proposed enhancements along Dixon Street south are being collaboratively undertaken with the community as an integral component of the comprehensive strategy for the Haymarket precinct.
Furthermore, the design concept accentuates the significance of the Chinatown Ceremonial Gates, slated for restoration and inclusion in the City’s broader strategy. Crafted with traditional Chinese materials and adorned with red, green, and gold tiles, these archways serve as striking symbols at both ends of this iconic locale.
“The gates provide a ceremonial entrance to the only surviving original Chinatown in the city centre. By restoring and heritage listing the gates, we will ensure they can be enjoyed for generations to come,” the Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
