The Detailed Design contract for the Larrakia Cultural Centre (LCC) has been awarded to Northern Territory locals Rossi Architects in collaboration with Susan Dugdale and Associates.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said Rossi Architects were selected from over 15 Expressions of Interest and five design teams who had been invited to tender for this nationally significant project.
"Rossi Architects were selected by the LDC Project Group based on their collaborative approach to design, their project range and their focus on engaging local engineers, surveyors, landscape architects and cost estimators in collaboration with internationally recognised exhibition designers," Minister Fletcher said.
"The LCC Detailed Design stage is being funded through the Darwin City Deal to further develop the cultural centre, helping preserve and celebrate significant cultural and spiritual links to the Chinute Chinute (Stokes Hill) sacred site.
"The design phase is just one of the many innovative projects being funded through the City Deal that are helping Darwin become a more liveable and vibrant capital."
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, the Hon Michael Gunner MLA, said the LCC project will create new jobs for Territorians during its design and construction phases.
"We know how important it is to back local now, more than ever," Chief Minister Michael Gunner said.
"The Rossi team will roll-out a detailed plan for the LCC, with development of the site to follow later this year.
"The Darwin City Deal continues to provide new jobs and opportunities for Territorians - which is helping us cement our place as the nation's comeback capital."
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said the development of the LCC is important to sustaining and connecting Territorians and visitors to Darwin with Larrakia culture and language.
"The LCC will be a place where Larrakia people can meet, share and promote their vibrant culture," Minister Wyatt said.
"Awarding the design contract to the Rossi team is vital for local job creation, building on the ongoing economic benefits of the development of the LCC.
"The Australian Government continues to work with both the Northern Territory Government and the Larrakia Development Corporation to develop a culturally significant site that will be visited by locals and tourists for years to come."
Chief Executive Officer of the Larrakia Development Corporation, Nigel Browne, said awarding the design contract means the LCC is one step closer to becoming a sustainable and significant site for the Territory.
"We are eager to start planning and designing the LCC so that locals, visitors and tourists can start exploring the rich culture and history of Larrakia and their connection to other Aboriginal groups," Mr Browne said.
"The economic impacts of the LCC to the Northern Territory economy will extend beyond the design and construct phases through permanent job creation and the potential to provide positive social impacts over the long term.
"The Larrakia Development Corporation is pleased to be managing the design project with the support of Australian Government through the Darwin City Deal and I look forward to achieving further milestones for the LCC and the Territory."
