Darwin Waterfront reveals materplan vision for next stage of development

A raft of changes to the current face of Darwin Waterfront have been planned, but what do locals think of it? HAVE YOUR SAY

A SURF park, tropical snorkelling lagoon, pools and playgrounds have been envisioned for the heart of Darwin under a $200m expansion proposal.

The Darwin Waterfront Precinct has revealed its Stage Two development proposal, which pending funding approval, would result in a massive expansion to the recreational hub.

In a newly released design brief, the Stage Two development included a central cove with a surf park, waterfront pools and playground, a tropical lagoon and the potential for an integrated resort hotel overlooking the water.

Darwin Waterfront Corporation chief executive officer Alastair Shields said once funding was approved, construction could start almost immediately.

“We’ve put a lot of work into design for the first part of the project, the water pools and things that you saw (in the promotional video),” Mr Shields said.

“And so if we’ve got a decision on the funding very shortly we would be in a position to turn the first sod this calendar year.”

Mr Shields said the construction window was estimated for four years.

Chairman Richard Fejo warned the expansion was not a “done deal”, but said it still represented an exciting new vision for the waterfront precinct.

“This will be a game changer for Darwin,” he said.

“(But) the details are not completely there … We would really want to see this go forward and we’re pushing what we can working with the Northern Territory Government to try and see this through.”

“What we’re trying to do is get the Commonwealth on side.”

Mr Fejo said the project required a $200m investment from the Federal support to kickstart the project.

“(The) money is to help invest in the Territory, because this is going to be a special place,” Mr Fejo said.

“It will being investors and it will make jobs.

“It’s taking care of our community.”

Mr Fejo said the site would not only serve as a tourism drawcard, but a valued asset to Territorians.

“I see it as having multiple benefits, not only for the local economy, we can create jobs we can expand, we can have people coming here and spending a longer time in Darwin,” he said.

“And if they are spending more time in Darwin of course they’re going to spend more money in town.”

Mr Fejo said the immediate development would focus on the waterfront lagoon infrastructure, but said he had no doubt that private investment would follow in the form of hotels and apartments.

“We’re trying to work with the NT Government, the City of Darwin and across the scope so that we have a unified feel for what it’s like when you travel to Darwin,” he said.

But general manager Sam Burke said the designs had not been finalised, and there would be further announcements on the project in the coming weeks.