The Territory Labor Government's job-creating State Square redevelopment is coming to life with the contract to demolish the Chan Building awarded this week.
McMahon Services Australia (NT) will be delivering the $2 million contract – which will support more than 50 local jobs.
The State Square overhaul is a critical part of the historic $200 million Darwin City Deal, delivered in partnership with the Australian Government and the City of Darwin.
As part of the deal, Darwin's Civic and State Square precinct will be transformed for the whole community and tourists to enjoy through activated spaces of large lawns, a signature Art Gallery, Billabong Garden, as well as lively café space.
Demolishing the Chan Building signifies the start of this transformation and allows for the precinct to be open and reduce heat around the CBD, creating a tropical oasis.
The transformation of the Darwin CBD is already underway by supporting local businesses through events such as the Laneway Series and Bruce Munro: Tropical Light, as well as infrastructure projects such as the 450-bay carpark which is now operational. The carpark construction created 280 jobs for Territorians.
The redevelopment of Civic and State Square will be delivered in partnership with the Northern Territory Government and the City of Darwin. The Darwin City Deal will also see the establishment of a Charles Darwin University campus and student accommodation in the CBD – bringing in around 1000 students to the city centre.
The Chan Building demolition is scheduled for completion by the middle of the year.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
"I want our CBD to be a place that people want to come to – like Fed Square in Melbourne.
"It's the beating heart of Darwin and I want it to be something all locals can enjoy and be proud of.
"Right now it's a bit of a concrete jungle, and that makes it hard for our traders to attract more customers. This will completely change all that.
"There'll be lawns and gardens, space for events and festivals, an art gallery and café, and a connection down to the Waterfront. Everything we need to get the place pumping.
"It'll mean more people will come into the city, which means more customers for business and more jobs for locals. That's really what it's about for me – jobs, jobs, jobs.
"We've been through tough economic times but now we're on the road to recovery. It's investments like this that are turning things around for the Territory."
As noted by the Member for Port Darwin, Paul Kirby:
"This landmark State Square revitalisation initiative will be a key driver in boosting 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.
"The Masterplan celebrates our rich history, and aims to tell the stories of the landscapes that transcends into a public space designed to be highly memorable, rejuvenating and ever changing for our community and visitors."
As noted by City of Darwin, Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis:
"The Civic and State Square Masterplan reflects our unique history, culture and lifestyle and establishes a beautiful green heart in Darwin City.
"The Masterplan is a testament to a positive collaboration between City of Darwin, the NT Government, traditional owners and the best architects in Australia."
