The Cinema Collective promises a bold new era in Territory hospitality

The Territory’s newest venue is just weeks from opening - and we can reveal what it will have to offer.

Developers of Mitchell Street’s famous former Ducks Nuts and cinema site have released details of Darwin’s spectacular new entertainment experience, weeks from its opening.

With a first stage opening expected in July, the brand new identity of the highly-anticipated redevelopment at the iconic 72-76 Mitchell Street location has been unveiled as The Cinema Collective.

Vacant for the past six years, the site was famous as the home of Darwin’s first multi-screen cinema from 1988 as well as the popular Sizzler restaurant and Ducks Nuts bar.

But a massive $20m-plus upgrade by Territory developers is transforming the block into a multi-use venue that promises to be a CBD drawcard featuring bars, function spaces and tourism leisure opportunities.

The first stage of Darwin’s Cinema Collective is expected to open in July.

The Cinema Collective is a joint venture between four entrepreneurial Territorians - construction couple Lachlan Michell and Chloe Moo in partnership with well-known hospitality figures Justin Coleman and Steve Dugan, who opened Shenanigans in the 1990s.

A sneak-peek into the venue reveals the Duck Nuts site near Briggs Street has been transformed into an industrial-feel modern bar with earthy tones and copper finishes using recycled brick and timber, some of it sourced from KOA caravan park in Karama.

It will feature a custom-built kitchen, purpose-built live music area with duelling pianos, a stage, large alfresco spaces plus an art deco-inspired function room with a capacity of up to 80 people. The venue is licensed until 3am.

Totally gutted as part of the renovation, the pub and cinema have built planter boxes in and around both buildings to create a lush, tropical feel.

The Cinema Collective’s - Justin Coleman, Lachlan Michell and Chloe Moo

In a grand move that will be totally new in Darwin, the old cinema foyer and candy bar will be transformed into an open-air, botanical pavilion.

Uniquely elegant in style and intent, the alfresco space will feature a show kitchen including wood-fired pizza oven that offers patrons a large selection of beverages either shaken or poured from a huge, quartzite bar.

The developers are still deciding what to do with the three cinemas that still remain at the back of the complex including a massive space that could potentially serve as a conference venue at a future time.

Experienced license-holder Justin Coleman said The Cinema Collective would be a tribute to Darwin and the Territory.

“It embodies everything we love about Darwin and the Northern Territory,” he said.

“It’s a venue that will be more than just a pub - it’s a destination in its own right and why the name fits so perfectly.

“Over coming weeks we will continue to announce different aspects of what we hope the community of Darwin will welcome - having fun and sharing in multiple experiences in a safe environment.

Mr Michell said work would soon begin on the venue’s eye-catching alfresco ribbon facade.

“The facade will be finished in unsealed brass sheeting,” Mr Michell said.

“Over time it will patina and take on a Territory-rustic charm. The sweeping waves which wrap from Mott Court to Mitchell Street subtly represent a cinema curtain, a nod to the building’s history while looking to its bright future for generations to come.

“We’re also keeping the old cinema sign, which will have a facelift in line with our logo.

“Food will be very important to the overall mix. It will be a multipurpose venue that just isn’t centred around drinking.”

Ms Moo said the venue would suit different clientele at varying times of the day.

“It’s important for us to make a distinction between the different spaces because people will be drawn to different parts of the day and different venues so they definitely do have a different look and feel,” she said.

“This is definitely more a typical pub whereas the (cinema) side is going to have that botanical pavilion feel that makes you feel right at home... like you could be underneath the balcony of your own house having a beer and a bite to eat.”