Demolition works have commenced on the old Cavenagh House building in Darwin. For the demolition package, Hutchinson Builders has been engaged to complete the works. The demolition of the old building will pave the way for the construction of the new NT Department of Health headquarters.
Earlier this year, Sandran Pty Ltd has been appointed as the preferred builder to deliver the new building. The company is going to be funding the construction of the building, whereas the State Government is going to pay for lease once the building is up and operational.
Sandran is committed to utilise up to 95 per cent local suppliers and contractors to deliver the new building, with $1.5 million for 17 demolition related work packages already subcontracted - 16 of which have been awarded to Territory Enterprises.
“During the construction and delivery of the project, we are very committed to employing local people to help deliver the project. We are working with a wide range of local businesses and individuals including local architects, engineers and town planners through to supporting apprentices, trainees and local sub-contractors,” Sandran property Group Managing Director William Philips said.
Demolition works commenced in May 2018 and is due to be completed by September.
The new building that will replace the old Cavenagh House has been named Manunda Place to commemorate the WWII hospital ship AHS Manunda that played a vital role following the bombing of Darwin in 1942.
The new building at Cavenagh Street will feature:
- Greening the exterior of Energy House and improving the building’s façade
- A child care centre on the ground floor
- A capital contribution to the City of Darwin to upgrade and green Litchfield Street
- A new 320 bay public car park in Litchfield Street – which will cost approximately $12 million
Manunda Place will have the Department of Health as the anchor tenant - occupying 7,000-SQM - and the Department of Corporate and Information Services will be relocating to the new building from their shared services functions on Casuarina and Palmerston.
Approximately 270 public servants will be relocating to the new building in the Darwin CBD.
“Our vision for this project is to reactivate the Cavenagh, Knuckey and Litchfield Street network to create a vibrant destination and a ‘sense of place’. The name Manunda Place allows us to pay respect to the lifesaving actions of the hospital crew on board the HMAHS Manunda during the Bombing of Darwin, whilst connecting it to the projects anchor tenant, the Department of Health and building on our vision to create a sense of place,” Mr Philips said.
Major construction works on Manunda Place is expected to create up to 250 local jobs. The new building is due to be completed in mid-2020.
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Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom
