City of Darwin wants feedback on Smith Street upgrades

City of Darwin is seeking community consultation on plans to redevelop one of its major thoroughfares. See what’s planned.

City of Darwin has launched a consultation process around the best ways to deliver a $3m facelift to one of the capital’s main streets.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis wants feedback on two design concepts for the Smith Street Streetscape project, which will see a section of the thoroughfare receive a substantial makeover.

The Territory government stumped-up the $3m in last month’s budget to deliver greening and cooling measures on Smith Street between Knuckey and Whitfield streets as part of the Darwin City Deal to develop a vibrant and liveable tropical city.

How Smith Street could look after the upgrades.

The concept designs feature additional greening, improved pedestrian and active transport access and improvements to amenity.

Mr Vatskalis said the two designs aimed to create a cool, green and dynamic pedestrian hub in the heart of the city centre.

“The Smith Street Streetscape improvement is a further commitment towards a common vision between City of Darwin and the Northern Territory government for Darwin’s future as a vibrant, liveable and tropical city,” he said.

“The project will enable safer movement along Smith Street and create a cooler, greener and more dynamic hub with enhanced pedestrian experience.

City of Darwin has $3m to spend upgrading Smith Street.

“In addition to seeing more trees planted, the concept designs include the installation of micro mobility lanes, upgrades to infrastructure including additional pedestrian crossings, more street furniture and public art opportunities.

“Smith Street is a main hub of Darwin’s city centre and the go-to spot for locals and tourists to work, shop and socialise. I encourage everyone to have their say on the concept designs during the engagement process.”

Mr Vatskalis said traders were “loud and clear” in what they wanted from their city.

Smith Street upgrade

“On the one hand I hear them say they want parking, and at the same time they want the ability to have tables and chairs outside,” he said.

“You see around there are so many shops but there aren’t any chairs and tables outside, most of them are within the boundaries of their own properties.”

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Joel Bowden said the Smith Street Streetscape project would continue the work under way to green and cool the Darwin CBD with the Liberty Square revitalisation project nearing completion.

“With Liberty Square set to reopen to the public it’s timely for the Smith Street Streetscape project to get under way,” Mr Bowden said.

“I encourage Territorians and local businesses to check out the concepts and provide feedback that will be considered as part of the final design for the Smith Street Streetscape.”

Community engagement closes at 4pm, Friday June 28.