Darwin CBD revitalisation is one step closer with Chief Minister Michael Gunner today welcoming the Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility's (NAIF) conditional loan of $150 million to Charles Darwin University.
The NAIF loan will enable the City Deal Education and Civic Precinct to progress.
In 2018 the Darwin City Deal was signed by the Territory Labor Government, Commonwealth Government and City of Darwin.
One aspect of the deal was to create a Charles Darwin University campus in the Darwin CBD – bringing in more than 11,000 students to the City Campus by 2028, including an additional 1000 international students.
In partnership with City of Darwin a draft masterplan for the site, on the corner of Cavanagh Street and Garamilla Boulevard, has been developed seeing the precinct be iconic, vibrant and a world-class student experience.
With the conditional NAIF loan and $97 million already committed through the City Deals works are due to begin soon with:
- The University undertaking building procurement and completing a range of other required plans and strategies prior to seeking an investment decision by NAIF, expected in early 2020.
- An Expression of Interest process is already underway for companies interested in tendering for an Early Contractor Involvement contract to work with the project partners to design and develop the Precinct.
- Construction works commence in late 2020 anticipated to take three years.
- Ready for students semester one 2024.
The new campus will bring 600 new staff into the Darwin CBD and support an extra 54 jobs during construction.
The Darwin City Deal recognises the city as the gateway to the broader region and includes a new education and civic precinct; a Charles Darwin University campus; an art gallery; retail, commercial and community spaces as well as cooler and greener streetscapes.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
"One part of our $100 million investment to revitalise our CBD is to bring students into the city centre – this will support business and create jobs for Territorians.
"As part of the historic, $200 million City Deal our government signed with the Federal Government last year, a new Charles Darwin University campus in the Darwin CBD will position us to grow this market, particularly with our closest neighbours
"There are 3100 international students studying in the NT and as an industry it contributes $81 million to the Territory economy.
"By attracting international students to the Territory to study, we are not only supporting local jobs in the education sector but across a wide variety of sectors, from hospitality and tourism to our service industries, which is good for the Territory economy as a whole.
Quotes attributed to Member for Port Darwin Paul Kirby:
"The Territory Labor Government continues to make our Darwin CBD a more vibrant and attractive place for people to enjoy.
"This landmark initiative will be a key driver in revitalising our CBD and making it a much loved destination for visitors, attracting new residents and encouraging broader investment. This is also a boost to local business and a boost for local jobs."
