$32m State Square underground carpark to go ahead ... after 20 years

IT’S been almost 20 years since it was first promised, but the underground carpark in the State Square precinct will finally go ahead

IT’S been almost 20 years since it was first promised, but the underground carpark in the State Square precinct will finally go ahead.

After sitting idle on the 1999 Central Darwin Concepts and Land Use Objectives plan, the Gunner Labor Government has announced a $32 million jobs boosting tender to build the underground car park.

The same 1999 plan also contains the concept for Barneson Boulevard. Deputy Chief Minister and Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Nicole Manison said the 450 space carpark, to begin construction in May, will have three levels of underground parking, create 60 construction jobs and 165 other jobs to support the project.

She said it would also serve as a cyclone shelter for up to 600 people

“It will unlock more green space in the city, replacing the existing heat generating carparks at the Supreme Court, Chan Building and Cenotaph while retaining the landscape of the current Parliament House Greens (corner Bennett and Mitchell Streets).”

Ms Manison said the underground development would enable the existing surface car parks to be redeveloped as cool and shaded parklands.

“The State Square redevelopment is part of a comprehensive plan to revitalise Darwin CBD to attract private investment, boost tourism and create jobs,” Ms Manison said.

“The plan includes immediate, short and long-term strategies that address anti-social behaviour, heat mitigation and ways to bring more people into the CBD.”

An 18-month car park study will also be undertaken, to identify other opportunities to improve car parking, further cool and revitalise the CBD.

Ms Manison confirmed the $32 million would come from the $100 million promised by the government to revitalise the Darwin Central Business District.