Chinatown, St James & Georgian Quarter

Chinatown sits along Nelson Street and the surrounding streets of Berry Street and Crosshall Street, marked by the ornamental Chinese arch that frames the main entrance on Nelson. The neighbourhood grew around sailors and dockworkers in the 19th century and today houses restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets and community organisations linked to one of the oldest Chinese communities in Europe. Streets here are compact and pedestrian-friendly, and the area stages seasonal events around the arch and community centres that serve local residents and students alike.

The Georgian Quarter extends west and north from the edge of Chinatown, centred on Rodney Street, Abercromby Square and Hope Street. Long rows of 19th-century townhouses have been adapted for use as medical and legal practices, student housing and small businesses. St James sits between these pockets, made up of residential terraces, small green plots and churchyards that break the street grid. Together the three areas form a mix of domestic, commercial and community uses with short walking distances between cafés, offices and specialist shops.