Darwin City Council is working with the Federal Government, the Northern Territory Government and the private sector to revitalise the economic growth, social and cultural development of Darwin city.
The $7 million project, ‘MY0800’, incorporates developments to some of the City’s major streets, mall and Raintree Park.
It will set the tone for future development of the city, while providing an economic boost during construction and long term business growth opportunities.
“This project will provide a sound foundation from which business and the community can develop retail, cultural and community activities – something we can all feel proud of,” said Darwin Lord Mayor Graeme Sawyer.
“It will create a greener, vibrant city with improved pedestrian connections, better lighting, seating and shelter.”
Works on the first stage of the project are due to commence this month, with the entire project expected to be complete by August 2010.
As overall Project Manager of the City Centre Revitalisation Project, Council is contributing almost
$1.2 million of its own funds, in addition to over $75,000 of in kind support.
The Federal Government’s contribution comes from the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, part of the $42 billion Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan.
Key outcomes of the revitalisation project will be:
- the sustainable city – recognising and
valuing the role of street and park
planting in defining the unique
tropical character of the city and to
promote Darwin as a walkable city - the event city – creating streets
and public spaces capable of staging
important cultural and civic events - the retail city – building better, less
cluttered connections, while establishing
a framework for private sector investment
in street level retail - the 24 hour city – promoting a safe and
covered pedestrian environment.
Smith Street, for example, is considered Darwin’s traditional main street. It is in the centre of the CBD and is a place where people meet. However, development of the streetscape and the introduction of raised planters over recent years has led to the cluttering of the pedestrian domain and the reduction of retail sight lines.
Under the revitalisation project, a safe and inclusive pedestrian environment will be created, providing enhanced wet season coverage and a wide and uncluttered footpath.
Raised planter boxes will be replaced with a low turf promenade, enabling better pedestrian movement and improved seating and lighting.
This will encourage people to use the connection throughout the day and night.
Further works to be carried out in other areas of the CBD include increased tree plantings with up lighting and seating, an improved path network and an enhanced tourist bus set down and taxi rank.
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Maxine McKew, visited Darwin in July with Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Delia Lawrie.
Maxine McKew said the revitalisation project will support jobs and stimulate the economy in the short term, while delivering a better, more community friendly city centre for the people of Darwin to enjoy in the long term.
“We are working together to give Darwin a city centre that residents and businesses can take pride in and enjoy beyond the current global economic recession,” she said.
Minister Lawrie said the mall revitalisation would enhance Darwin’s profile as a major tourist destination and provide immediate and future benefits for Territorians.
For further information contact Dave Cash, Council’s Capital Works Coordinator, on (08) 8930 0623.
