Richardson Park demolition set for next year after $689k contract awarded

THE $689,000 contract to demolish Darwin’s Richardson Park has been awarded to a local contractor after failed attempts by rugby league diehards to get the park heritage listed

Members of Darwin’s rugby league community fought hard to save Richardson Park. Picture: Keri Megelus

• Richardson Park, the home of Darwin Rugby League, denied heritage status by NT Government
• Territory Alliance promises to save Richardson Park if elected

THE $689,000 contract to demolish Darwin’s Richardson Park has been awarded to a local contractor after failed attempts by rugby league diehards to get the park heritage listed.

The Department of Infrastructure awarded a contract for the complete demolition of the facilities at Richardson Park, including in ground services and footings, on December 21.

The $689,941 contract was awarded to Coolalinga contractor Option Group.

Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler said facilities at the park were in a state of disrepair. Picture: KERI MEGELUS

A Department of Infrastructure spokesman said they would be meeting with the contractor in January, with a schedule of demolition works to be formalised after this meeting.

Rugby league diehards have fought to save the Richardson Park ground at Ludmilla but it now appears the fight is over after the park was denied heritage status in May.

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said facilities at the park were in a state of disrepair.

The demolition of the existing building will be followed by an upgrade of the playing field and landscaping which the government has set aside $2.9m in funds for.

However, one of Territory rugby league’s most respected figures Brian “Stem” Edwards said the proposed plans for the new space were more suited to a dog park than rugby league.

“I’ll put myself in front of that bulldozer before they tear down our park,” he said.

Ms Lawler said the Government would ensure the ground would be available for the community and the Nightcliff Dragons and Brothers Rugby League clubs to use.

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“We are listening to Territorians, local businesses and the sporting community, and will continue to work towards providing a better community space, while ensuring the history and cultural significance of Richardson Park is recognised and maintained,” she said.

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