Darwin’s Esplanade faces permanent heritage listing in new public consultation
The Heritage Council has launched fresh public consultation on The Esplanade’s heritage status after a successful court appeal derailed the original process. Read the details.
The Heritage Council has opened a 28‑day public consultation on whether The Esplanade in Darwin should be permanently declared a heritage place, with a provisional declaration to be made within the first week to protect the site.
Submissions close on January 1, 2026.
The Esplanade was nominated by “a member of the public” and assessed under the Heritage Act 2011, with the Heritage Council finding the place to be of heritage significance.
According to the draft statement of heritage value, The Esplanade is “important to the course or pattern of the Territory’s cultural history”, as it encompasses the NT’s Aboriginal, colonial, military, sporting and social history.
The Esplanade also possesses “a number of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the Territory’s cultural and natural history”, the draft statement said.
Facebook users replying to the Lands, Planning and Environment appeared to support turning the Esplanade into a heritage place.
“Definitely needs Heritage protecting,” one user wrote.
Another said: “This area needs to protected. Just as it is NOW.”
Written submissions are invited on the site’s significance and the proposed area.
The council may adjust the footprint based on feedback and will decide whether to recommend permanent declaration to the minister for lands, planning and environment.
If the council recommends declaration, the minister will receive all submissions and make the final decision.
This is the second consultation on The Esplanade.
The Supreme Court of the Northern Territory set aside the first process in November 2024 after a successful appeal on a question of law and procedural fairness.
The City of Darwin at the time said it was “pleased” with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the provisional listing of the Esplanade on the heritage register.
Submissions from the first round cannot be reused, and the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment has contacted original contributors to advise new submissions are required.
Supporting materials include the council’s Statement of Heritage Value and a map of the proposed heritage place, with additional information available on the nomination process and the meaning of a heritage declaration.
To have your say, click here: https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/the-heritage-significance-of-the-esplanade-darwin
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Originally published as Darwin’s Esplanade faces permanent heritage listing in new public consultation
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