Mitchell St Mall?: Pubs, industry support idea to make Mitchell St pedestrian-only during certain hours or events

CREATING a pedestrian mall along Mitchell Street is gaining traction, with several businesses open to discussions about how it would work.

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CREATING a pedestrian mall along Mitchell Street is gaining traction, with several businesses open to discussions about how it would work.

The idea resurfaced following an incident in December when a Toyota Land-Cruiser crashed through the front door of Six Tanks Brewery, causing $15,000 of damage.

The incident could have been fatal if it was during opening hours.

Six Tanks general manager Alwin Eldhose said he thought it was important to be proactive in protecting patrons and venues.

“It would be a good idea in the evening times if we could block the street, something like 10pm ‘til 5am,” he said.

“When incidents (like what happened to us) happen, it makes us realise what’s possible to prevent these incidents.

“It’s always good to be preventive rather than waiting for the next one to happen.”

Australian Venue Co area manager Matthew Hutcheon, who looks after Monsoons and Shenannigans, said there was a strong case for converting Mitchell Street into a mall.

Mitchell Street could become pedestrian only during certain hours or events. Picture: Che Chorley

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“A night-time mall on Mitchell Street would make the area safer for patrons and create a more vibrant entertainment precinct – it’s a win-win,” he said.

“We’d welcome an open discussion with local businesses about the best way to make this work.”

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis has supported the concept, but wants it trialled before being implemented.

“I don’t see it’s a good idea to close it permanently, but there are ways of closing it temporarily late at night,” he said.

“In other places they have (temporary) bollards coming out of the ground, sticking up so traffic cannot go through.”

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said the possibility of closing off the Mitchell Street strip between Peel Street and Knuckey Street to improve safety and activate the strip should be discussed.

“Let’s be part of the process, whether that means closing it for certain times or just key signature nights,” he said.

Mitchell Street could become pedestrian only during certain hours or events. Picture: Che Chorley

“We had huge patronage along Mitchell Street on New Year’s Eve. Let’s look appropriately at how to accommodate those sorts of crowds.

“If it turns out it’s once a month on a Friday or New Year’s Eve, Christmas Eve and other key dates, let’s get that planning done now so police, venues and patrons all know what’s going on.

“It makes more sense for these temporary closure during the dry season.”

Mr Bruce said there were a lot of opportunities that could come from the concept, such as allowing liquor licensed venues to expand patronage to the street, or expanding the no-drive zone further, but they would need to be discussed properly.

“All this stuff would have to be plastic cups, so that’s a change to business models,’ he said. “There would have to be security markers and security guards. Some of that needs to be teased through.”

Mitchell Street could become pedestrian only during certain hours or events. Picture: Che Chorley

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Mr Bruce also said it could bring some unintended consequences to the strip.

“What other cities have found is if you remove vehicle access, you often create other anti-social areas, such as what Darwin’s (Smith Street) mall sees,” he said.

“A starting point would be looking at the major event nights.”

NT Police were contacted for comment.

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