Infrastructure projects ‘to turn around’ ailing Darwin CBD, says Chief Minister Michael Gunner

DESPITE commercial vacancy rates being at almost 25 per cent, Chief Minister Michael Gunner is confident his Government’s infrastructure projects will turn around the ailing CBD

Work is well underway on the new underground carpark in State Square.

CHIEF  Minister Michael Gunner remains confident the empty building levy and infrastructure projects will turn around the fortunes of the ailing CBD.

He said the State Square carpark, Garramilla Blvd, Manunda Place and greening initiatives were the key projects the Territory Government says will bring life to the CBD.

Despite commercial vacancy rates being at almost 25 per cent, Mr Gunner is confident the construction projects will turn around the ailing CBD in the short term.

In the long term, the Cities Deal will bring investment.

“My number one priority is creating local jobs and the CBD is an important job creator for the Top End,” he said.

“We recently signed a $200 million Cities Deal with the Federal Government, which is unlocking $500 million worth of private investment.”

Mr Gunner said the State Square carpark would improve parking and free up green space.

The recently completed shade structure on Cavenagh St is one of the heat mitigating projects undertaken to make visiting the CBD more bearable for pedestrians.

“Cooling and greening projects are already complete or underway, and will create a cooler, more user-friendly CBD.’’

He said Manunda House, on Cavenagh St, when completed, would bring public servants to the CBD as departments moved from the suburbs into town.

“The construction of the new Health House will move hundreds of workers into the CBD,” he said.

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Mr Gunner said the vacant and derelict site levy was necessary to encourage land owners to develop vacant land and building owners to open their doors to tenants.

“People are sick of seeing eyesores in our city – there is no doubt that derelict blocks have an impact on how people view our CBD,” he said.

“Whether they are living, investing or visiting here. This is a chance for property owners to be part of the Cities Deal, just like the NTG, City of Darwin, Commonwealth, CDU and Larrakia Nation.”

Mr Gunner said the levy was not something the Government wanted but it was necessary.

“This is the one revenue measure with which we don’t want to raise a single dollar. We would rather developers invest in the CBD.”

He said visible policing on anti-social behaviour in the CBD would also help to create a safer and more inviting area.