The Northern Territory Government has released the $32 million tender to construct an underground car park in Darwin’s State Square, with the aim to unlock more green space in the city.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Nicole Manison said the 450 space, three-level underground carpark will create 60 construction jobs and 165 other jobs to support the project.
“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),” Mr. Manison said in a statement.
“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 the Territory Government’s plan to revitalise Darwin CBD to attract private investment, boost tourist 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,” she adds.
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.
According to the statement, the tender for the Cavenagh Street Heat Mitigation trial, in conjunction with City of Darwin, is expected to also be released this month. This CBD initiative includes:
- a 50m cool green street canopy over Cavenagh St
- continuing upgrade of the Cavenagh and Bennett St 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 St
- greening the street – temporary planter boxes for medium scale trees and garden walls for instant greenery
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