Darwin water theme park gathering steam as seven formal construction submissions received

SEVEN formal submissions have been received to construct a new multimillion-dollar international standard water theme park in Darwin city

An artist’s impression of how the new Darwin city water park could look. Picture: Supplied

THE Gunner Government is committed to a new multimillion-dollar international standard water theme park and will move to a structured engagement process this week to progress its development.

The Department of Trade, Business and Innovation chief executive Michael Tennant confirmed seven formal submissions have been received to construct the park.

“Yes, that’s right we have received seven expressions of interest,” he told the NT News.

“However there has also been a number of other informal approaches from various groups expressing interest.

“From this point we will be engaging with proponents, who put forward the best bids as part of the expression of interest phase, and others who have contacted us.

READ MORE: WATER PARK TO ATTRACT 300,000 VISITORS A YEAR

“This will guarantee we get the best for the Territory. And we are doing this because we want private investment so we must make sure we go far and wide.

“We have had a good strong pool of applicants, some were locals, some interstate and one international with good experience in this space. There have been some fantastic proposals and we will now move into a direct negotiation phase.”

The expressions of interest period for the private sector to design, build and operate the world-class water park in Darwin closed on August 22.

The Government has preferenced the old tank site near Stokes Hill Wharf because of its proximity to the Darwin CBD, but said this would not necessarily be the chosen location.

“We are keen that this project can be a part of any CBD revitalisation,” Mr Tennant said. “Our research is that the closer you have it to the Darwin CBD the greater the visitor numbers will be and the more commercially viable it will be.

“If it is ultimately there then it would be the next stage of the Waterfront Precinct around to Frances Bay, but there are other sites beyond this which we are open to.”

The Gunner Government announced plans for a water theme park last year as part of its $100 million investment in revitalising the Darwin CBD to boost tourism, create jobs and add to the city’s liveability.

A feasibility study to determine the viability of a water park was undertaken by Pico Play, which has helped deliver other fun parks.

“There is a solid business case for an international standard water park,” Mr Tennant said. “The aim of an international standard water park is to extend our tourism product,