Local builder appointed for NT Darwin Civic & State Square project

More works are set to get underway to revitalise Darwin’s Civic and State Square precinct following the award of an $88 million construction contract to local builder Sitzler Pty Ltd. 

The company will undertake the delivery of the Northern Territory Art Gallery as well as planning and design of the remaining elements of the precinct, including: 

• Northern Territory Art Gallery – located adjacent the Central Heart with a generous grand veranda with cafes and room for events and festivals 
• A Central Heart – a shaded, flexible and active centrally located space for special community events as well as everyday enjoyment 
• Tropical tree walk – a pedestrianised Smith Street with tall shelters for all year sun and rain protection 
• Expansive events law – fully serviced for a vast array of festivals and events 
• Forecourts – generous pedestrianised forecourts to Parliament House and Supreme Court with welcoming and cooling water features 

The Northern Territory Art Gallery was previously referred to as the State Square Art Gallery, and it will feature a dual English and Aboriginal name once it opens its doors to the public. Consultation with local Aboriginal groups and stakeholders will be carried out to identify suggestions and support for an Aboriginal name for the gallery. 

“The artistic, social and cultural benefits of this project will showcase the best of the Territory’s art scene. 

“The new Northern Territory Art Gallery will provide space for the exhibition that the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) does not currently have and will allow us to share more of our immense collection and touring exhibitions,” Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech said. 

Civic and State Square precinct project map (source: Investment Territory)

The overall revitalisation of the Civic and State Square precinct is part of the historic Darwin City Deal that is being delivered in partnership with the Australian Government. 

About $145 million has been allocated towards the transformation of the precinct into a “welcoming and interactive green heart of the CBD”. 

“This project will create a vibrant new heart for the city and one that will attract locals, visitors, artists and businesses and provide an enhanced pedestrian link between the Darwin CBD and the Waterfront. 

“The economic benefits of this investment will not only support an estimated 322 jobs in the construction phase but will also help to achieve our goal of a $40 billion economy,” Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said. 

The entire scope of works of the revitalisation project includes the Chan Building demolition, Northern Territory Art Gallery, State Square underground car park, 90-bay Parliamentary car park redevelopment, Central heart, and Liberty Square. 

Several works have already been completed to revitalise the Civic and State Square precinct. This includes the construction of the underground car park, landscaping of the former 90-bay car park and demolition of the Chan Building. 

The remaining scope of the revitalisation project includes: 

• Constructing the iconic and contemporary art gallery 
• An inviting and interactive central heart 
• Sheltered pedestrian walkways connecting the precinct and surrounding areas 
• Aboriginal artwork to celebrate the city’s rich cultural history 
• Wayfinding 
• Lush shading and landscaping 
• Water features 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Investment Territory; Roads & Infrastructure Australia