Austin Lane upgrades set to create new night-time precinct in Darwin CBD
A REFRESHED Austin Lane is expected to become a popular events venue and new bustling pocket in Darwin city.
Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A REFRESHED Austin Lane is expected to become a popular events venue and new bustling pocket in Darwin city.
The $1.8m upgrades, completed by the PTM Group and funded by the NT government through the City Deal, include a road levelled with the footpath and better signage to improve safety and access as well as pedestrian infrastructure and beautification of the Austin Lane and Spain Place alleyways.
Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said the Austin Lane refacing seemed to be a natural progression and he could see the area’s activation sprawling further.
“Cities are constantly redeveloping and reinvigorating themselves. Prior to Mitchell St becoming what it was, activity was in Cavenagh St,” he said.
MORE TOP NEWS
Construction starts on $250m Darwin CDU city campus
“Then it moved to Mitchell St, now with activation and all the works completed there’s pockets of interesting venues around Austin Lane and it’s becoming a bit of a destination in its own right.
“Through the use of parklets you can see that activity spreading either side into Cavenagh St and the side streets.”
Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said the improvements would allow for more events to be held on the streets to bring people into town.
“We are transforming the CBD so it can become a more attractive space for everyone to enjoy, driving more people to the city and increasing traffic into our local businesses,” she said.
Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said opening lanes around Darwin was a great idea but the public needed to get on board.
“What we are expecting and waiting for now is the private sector to come on board and say ‘you’ve done the job, we’re going to put a bar, a pizza shop, a small restaurant there to revitalise the place’,” he said.
“You can’t revitalise it by planting a few trees, you need to bring people in.”
Good Thanks burger restaurant has developed an outdoor beer garden backing onto Spain Place where improvements were also made.
Manager Alex James said he was looking forward to being able to participate in events in the precinct.
“It represents a fantastic opportunity for all the business in the alleyways and is a fantastic thing for the Darwin CBD,” he said.
NT NEWS sizzling new deal: Get all your news for just $5 a month
“We have been in chats with a few of the neighbouring businesses, there are liquor licence applications pending that’ll take months so the sooner they can get these things finished the sooner we can sign off on things and the sooner it’ll be operational.”
NT Police said they would consult with the council on any proposals presented.
Territory start-up counting down to healthier eating
A Northern Territory start-up has found the balance between taste and calories. Read how and who will benefit.
Speaker shock: Lia’s Assembly surprise as sittings set to resume
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has looked outside her own party to appoint a new speaker. Read who’s got the well-paid job.