Early designs in for planned Larrakia Cultural Centre on Darwin Waterfront

EXPRESSIONS of interest for architects to complete the detailed design for the major Aboriginal cultural centre planned for the Darwin Waterfront have closed, moving the project another step closer to reality.

The GHDWoodhead architectural team prepared concept renders as part of the strategic business case for the new centre. Picture: Supplied

• Darwin visitors to get crash course in Larrakia culture

EXPRESSIONS of interest for architects to complete the detailed design for the major Aboriginal cultural centre planned for the Darwin Waterfront have closed.

The Morrison government has committed $2m over two years for the Larrakia Development Corporation to undertake detailed design and planning for the centre as part of the Darwin City Deal.

The Larrakia Development Corporation engaged GHD to develop a strategic business case for the cultural centre.

A combined team of GHD, GHD Advisory and GHDWoodhead provided a comprehensive suite of services, including:

• Undertaking a scoping and feasibility assessment to identify the location for the facility
• Helping build political and public support for the initiative
• Outlining the potential opportunities to promote Aboriginal culture and increase tourism in the Northern Territory
• Developing a functional brief for the future design of the cultural centre.

The successful EOI applicants will progress to a formal request for tender, with the detailed design to start before December 2020.

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Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt said the cultural centre will enable Larrakia to realise a 20-year vision for traditional owners of Darwin, to have their own place to showcase Larrakia art, history and culture, supporting their economic aspirations.

“The Larrakia Cultural Centre will operate near Stokes Hill Wharf as a commercial enterprise, providing a cultural hub for the Larrakia people and a conservator of their history and language,” Minister Wyatt said.

“Schools and tourists will have the opportunity to learn and interact with the traditional owners.

“The centre will serve as hub for Indigenous businesses such as tourist operators.”

The Larrakia Cultural Centre proposal includes a variety of educational facilities, a museum and art gallery, an outdoor auditorium, a cafe/restaurant, art studios, artefact storage, retail shops and dedicated interpretative centre.

Larrakia Development Corporation chief executive officer Nigel Browne said the centre will support Indigenous tourism in Australia’s northernmost city, and is a much needed post-COVID-19 commercial development.

“This development will allow us to protect our future, preserve our past and help build our Territory economy,” Mr Browne said.

“The funding will provide an opportunity for urban renewal, tourism and employment for Larrakia people in Darwin.”

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To complement the cultural centre, the Federal Office for the Arts has given $200,000 over two years through the Indigenous Languages and Arts program to Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation for a Larrakia language project.

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