Work should begin next week on Larrakia Cultural Centre in Darwin
“We probably haven’t seen a job like this in the Territory for a long time”: Work is expected to begin next week on an iconic project 26 years in the making – after a Territory builder was awarded the $56m tender.
Northern Territory
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Respected Territory builder Sunbuild has been awarded the tender to construct the $56m Larrakia Cultural Centre at Stokes Hill.
Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney joined representatives from Larrakia Development Corporation (LDC), the builders and project supporters to turn the first sod on Friday May 10.
The project is expected to be completed by February 2026, but Sunbuild owner Neil Sunners is aiming for a Christmas 2025 completion.
The 7000sqm site has been largely cleared of asbestos and the builder is set to begin work – possibly as soon as next week.
Up to 80 workers could be on site at any one time with up to 350 people involved during the construction phrase.
Mr Sunners, who built Evolution on Gardiner – the Territory’s tallest building – said he loved the building design.
“This one’s beautiful,” he said.
“We probably haven’t seen a job like this in the Territory for a long time. It’s uniqueness, it’s got a bit of flare about it and it’s a bit of a challenge and we love that.
“We enjoy doing something a little bit different and this one’s really got some kudos about it, where you can actually say ‘We did that’, and that’s what we’re about, because we’re proud of what we do.
“Those unique and special things are going to make this project stand out in Darwin.”
The original idea for a cultural centre goes back to 1998, when the Larrakia people were granted a parcel of land at Darwin’s Bullocky Point in exchange for approving a construction corridor through their land for the Alice Springs to Darwin railway.
LDC chief executive Nigel Browne said the project had attracted widespread community support.
“This is a project so positive that everyone agrees that it just needed to happen,” he said.
“Not only will it be a place to showcase Larrakia but for us to conduct cultural maintenance and language.”
Ms Burney said the sod-turning was a “milestone moment”.
“Today is a milestone moment in this long-held ambition of the Larrakia Development Corporation – a place to showcase Larrakia culture and history and enable Larrakia people to continue caring for the land and sea,” she said.
“An iconic building with a bird-shaped roof will hover over this site – a place for people
from across the Territory and across Australia to recognise and celebrate Larrakia culture.”
LDC chairman Mark Motlop said the project had been a “passion” of the LDC since the signing of the railway deed.
“At such an important stage of this project we want to acknowledge all those people and organisations who have played such an important role in bringing the Larrakia Cultural Centre to life,” he said.
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Originally published as Work should begin next week on Larrakia Cultural Centre in Darwin
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