Works progress on NT Civic and State Square revitalisation project

Following the appointment of Sitzler Pty Ltd as contractor in November 2022, earthworks are now ramping up to prepare the project site for major construction of the Northern Territory Art Gallery. 

The new art gallery is a key component of the Civic and State Square precinct’s revitalisation that will bring together art, architecture and landscape spaces that Territorians and visitors can enjoy. 

The Northern Territory Art Gallery will feature four large galleries with high ceilings along with a spacious foyer and a dedicated program space for community activities. A shop and café will also be made available where visitors can browse and relax while they enjoy the landscaped gardens that surround the gallery. 

“When this visionary project is completed, we will have a world-class art gallery and venue to attract more people to our beloved capital. 

“This project will bring economic benefits through the tourism and retail sectors, create employment and transform the face of the city,” Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Development Eva Lawler said. 

The art gallery will also have sustainable initiatives incorporated into its design, including: 

• Compliance with National Construction Code 2019 Section J building fabric requirements 
• Inclusion of a 199kVA photovoltaic (PV) system 
• Demonstrated trajectory to net zero emissions by 2050; the building can be described as ‘net zero ready’ 
• The inclusion of lower carbon concrete products throughout the building structure, reducing the embodied carbon of the project (the carbon emissions associated with the construction process) 

As part of the project, six new raintrees (albizia saman) are going to be planted along the State Square side of the gallery as well as eight cloud trees (marenthes corybosa) to be planted along Smith Street. 

Construction of the Northern Territory Art Gallery is due to be completed by late 2024, including the fit out and installations of exhibitions before the gallery opens to the public. 

“We are working to develop the Territory as a powerhouse for green energy and this development will showcase the benefits of an environmentally considered design. 

“This project will support an estimated 322 jobs during construction and help us achieve our goal of a $40 billion economy,” Infrastructure Commissioner Louise McCormick said. 

Civic and State Square masterplan (source: Investment Territory)

The overall Civic and State Square revitalisation project is part of the Northern Territory Government’s historic Darwin City Deal. Approximately $145 million has been allocated to transform this precinct into a “welcoming and interactive green heart of the CBD”. 

The revitalisation of the precinct includes the delivery of several infrastructure projects. This includes the demolition of Chan Building, the construction of the Northern Territory Art Gallery, a State Square underground car park, 90 Bay Parliamentary car park redevelopment, a Central heart and Liberty Square. 

The next stages of the revitalisation will include: 

• Northern Territory Art Gallery – located adjacent to 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 lawn – 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 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Investment Territory; Northern Territory Government