Ambitious Ducks Nuts, Darwin Cinema entertainment complex plan hits last minute setback

A plan to ‘activate a major Darwin landmark and revitalise the area’ has hit a roadblock. Read what it is and why.

The developers argued the new venue ‘could potentially assist with reducing anti-social behaviour known to affect Mitchell Street’.

An ambitious plan to turn the former Ducks Nuts and Darwin Cinema complex into a “high-quality, licensed dining and entertainment premises” has suffered a last minute setback.

The plan to “activate a major Darwin landmark and revitalise the area” by local developers Justin Coleman, Stephen Dugan and Lachlan Michell is planned for three stages, beginning with the old Ducks Nuts and then extending into the cinema’s candy bar and theatre rooms.

In a ruling handed down last week, the Liquor Commission approved the venue’s material alteration on the condition that the ongoing refurbishment and construction works were completed within 18 months.

But in doing so the commission knocked back a request to extend the venue’s current liquor licence operating hours from a 2am closing time to 3am.

The licensee applicant, TEHG Property Pty Ltd, had argued the later closing time “could potentially assist with reducing anti-social behaviour known to affect Mitchell Street” but that submission was contested by NT Police.

Superintendent James O’Brien told the commission the variation would potentially increase alcohol consumption and thereby alcohol-fuelled violence in the central business district, further stretching already thin police resources.

“Evidence was also provided as to the impact of licensed premises within the CBD and in particular, the premises known as Mayberry Darwin, and what Superintendent O’Brien referred to as the demonstrated increase in the number of assaults and disturbances in and around that venue and CBD generally,” the decision reads.

An artist’s impression of the new development slated for the old Ducks Nuts/Darwin Cinema site.

In response, the developers argued the target demographic of the new venue would be older and “looking for a quieter night, perhaps after an event such as the Star Ball”.

“(They) may drink more than they would had they gone home instead, but they are not the demographic generally contributing to the harm and they are the type to leave gradually and peacefully between 2am and 3am,” they argued.

But the commission found while the older, quieter demographic was “one of the demographics sought to be attracted to this venue”, it was not the only one.

“The commission understands the proposed venue will have a band space for live entertainment, outdoor pizza bar, function room, as well as a ‘duelling pianos’ area that the commission was informed had proven to be ‘extremely popular’ at another venue operated by Mr Coleman and Mr Dugan,” the decision reads.

“The commission finds there are numerous demographics who may attend these premises and, young or old, if they have consumed ‘more than they would had they gone home instead’, there is an increased risk of harm and an increased risk with respect to public order and anti-social behaviour.”