The Northern Territory Government has released a $32 million tender to construct an underground car park in State Square.
NT Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Nicole Manison, said the project will include a 450 space, three level underground car park.
“It will unlock more green space in the city, replacing the existing heat generating carparks at the Supreme Court, Chan Building and Cenotaph whilst retaining the landscape of the current Parliament House Greens (corner Bennett and Mitchell Streets),” Ms Manison said.
“This will enable these existing surface car parks to be redeveloped as cool and shaded parklands to support public events and improve connectivity, and will also provide a future cyclone shelter for up to 600 people.
“The State Square redevelopment is part of a comprehensive plan to revitalise Darwin CBD to attract private investment, boost tourism and create jobs.
“The plan includes immediate, short and long-term strategies that address anti-social behaviour, heat mitigation and even ways to bring more students into the CBD.”
An 18-month car park study will also be undertaken, to support and identify other opportunities to improve car parking in the CBD, to further cool and revitalise the CBD.
It is expected the tender for the Cavenagh Street Heat Mitigation trial, in conjunction with City of Darwin, will also be released in January 2018.
The CBD initiative includes:
- A 50m cool green street canopy over Cavenagh Street
- Continuing upgrade of the Cavenagh and Bennett Street intersection, including shade structures on the four corners and new trees and green walls
- Cool surface treatments – new technology paints to reflect UV, and alternate road mix and pavement products along Cavenagh Street
- Greening the Street – temporary planter boxes for medium scale trees and garden walls for instant greenery
Ms Manison said the Northern Territory Government, which has allocated $100 million to revitalise the CBD, is continuing to work with the Australian Government to finalise the Darwin City Deal.
“Our strategy to revitalise Darwin’s CBD draws on best practice urban design and renewal expertise, and will make the city a better place to live, visit and do business,” Ms Manison said.
Submissions to tender close 7 March 2018.
