Darwin’s $4 million Mall upgrade follows a period of intense community consultation. After obtaining input from many community groups, organisations and individuals, sketch plans were drawn up. Residents, retailers and property owners were then invited to have their say about the plans and their particular needs.
Mall upgrade newsletters were also distributed to keep people informed and help stimulate public comment.
The upgrading of Darwin’s Mall will commence as soon as the main tourist season ends, in August/September this year. Much of the work will be done at night and weekends to keep disruption to a minimum, especially for shoppers and retailers.
The extensive community consultation process, design, display of proposed works, public presentations and the Mall Newsletters were all undertaken by Council’s appointed architects, Woods Bagot.
The display included a computer generated 3D visualisation of the existing and proposed designs, giving viewers the feel of walking down The Mall.
Included in the design work is repaving with high quality durable pavers, new lighting, alfresco dining areas, designer shade and an information centre. Comfortable seating was also highlighted by the community as a top priority.
Lord Mayor George Brown said that funding is yet to be finalised but it was looking good. He said the Mall upgrade plans took into account walkways linking other CBD areas and the fact that most of Darwin’s arcades are also being upgraded.
“It is all happening and it is great for Darwin,” he said. The Lord Mayor said that the upgrade plans also include dealing with surrounding traffic concerns, the need for sheltered bus stops, better signage, upgraded stormwater works and landscaping.
“With more residential and tourist accommodation in the CBD and an increasing number of workers we can expect The Mall to become busier and more popular,” he said. “We also want to encourage the alfresco eating concept and do everything we can to make tourists feel particularly welcome.”
For further information contact Wendy Kirk, at Darwin City Council, telephone (08) 8932 2511.
