Cavenagh St shade structure to cost $2.7 million as tender awarded

THE Territory Government will spend $2.7 million to build a shade structure in the Darwin CBD

Artists impression of the vine shade structure over Cavenagh Street in Darwin. Picture: Supplued

THE Territory Government will spend $2.7 million to build a shade structure in the Darwin CBD.

Made from local timber, the 55m structure will stretch along Cavenagh St between Knuckey and Bennett streets.

Also included in the project will be resurfacing of the road with UV reflective paints, and the planting of new trees.

PTM Homes has won the project tender.

The structure – which will be covered in vines – will take about 21 weeks to build.

Work will start this month.

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said the work would help cool the CBD and revitalise the tired centre.

Ms Manison said the project would make a profound difference on stifling Build-Up days.

Heat mapping has shown Cavenagh St is one of the hottest spots in Darwin.

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said he hoped markets and other events would be held in its shade.

Mr Vatskalis said he also hoped the Government would eventually extend the shade structure down the full length of Cavenagh St.

“Any money spent in the City of Darwin is money well spent,” Mr Vatskalis said.