Industry groups support calls to activate ‘under utilised’ Esplanade

INDUSTRY groups have backed a call to keep the Esplanade as green parkland but believe more could be done to attract people to the area and ‘activate’ the ‘under utilised’ space

INDUSTRY groups have backed a call to keep the Esplanade as lush green parkland but believe more could be done to attract people to the area.

The Property Council of the NT executive director Ruth Palmer and Chamber of Commerce NT chief executive Greg Ireland believe caution should be taken with any additional hospitality or commercial venture on the Esplanade as it would only add to an already saturated market and unnecessarily compete with existing businesses.

Darwin's Esplanade has million dollar views, but does it need more there to attract people? Picture: Che Chorley

An NT News poll of more than 550 voters revealed more than 55 per cent of responders were in favour of some sort of development on the “under utilised” Esplanade, such as food trucks or commercial ventures.

It comes as the RSL headquarters proposal for the carpark land near the Cenotaph is dividing the community.

Ms Palmer said the current zoning of the Esplanade did not allow for development.

Currently, events such as the Greek GleNTi festival, Graze and weekly Parkruns and bootcamps are held in the space.

“The Esplanade is fulfilling its required purpose and activation as a unique and spectacular green space on the edge of the Darwin CBD,” she said.

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“Commercial and hospitality uses are only a very short distance from the Esplanade throughout the entire CBD.

“Notably there are properties currently on the opposite side of the Esplanade Bicentennial Park that are vacant or undeveloped.

“If activation is so eagerly sought for the Esplanade, this is the area that should be encouraged to be activated for these uses.

“Darwin CBD currently has an unprecedented abundance in vacant and under-utilised land.

“Developing and thus reducing the Esplanade green space will not only erode the park amenity … but it will further degrade the commercial market by adding more supply.”

An NT News poll of more than 550 voters revealed more than 55 per cent of responders were in favour of some sort of development on the “under utilised” Esplanade, such as food trucks or commercial ventures

The views were echoed by Mr Ireland who said: “Building more restaurants and cafes at this time would serve to increase competition in a market that is already saturated through lack of patronage.”

He said green space was incredibly important to Darwin and the Esplanade provided that in proximity to the CBD.

“The development of the bath and boardwalk concept, which would have limited impact on the Esplanade’s vital green space, would create an attraction that would encourage repeat visits from local families and tourists alike,” he said.

Darwin council recently applied for a grant from the Federal Government to help fund the Lameroo Baths but it was knocked back.

The Council intends to apply for the grant again in May next year.

An NT News poll showed 55 per cent of responders were in favour of some sort of development on the “under utilised” Esplanade, such as food trucks or commercial ventures. Picture: Che Chorley

The Darwin City & Waterfront Retailers Association said it was supportive of developments that promote the economic growth and vibrancy of the city and would enhance the image of Darwin.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said Darwin had the most commercial potential right now on its doorstep and encouraged businesses on the Esplanade to make the most of the sought after green space.

“The potential of our CBD and our iconic Esplanade is limitless and I firmly believe we can have both – a premium green space for the community to enjoy, along with opportunities for local businesses that operate along the strip to further capitalise on these incredible views and great green space,” he said.

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Country Liberals deputy leader Gerard Maley said: “The use of the Esplanade is a Council issue and it’s up to them to assess any suggested developments or changes in use.”

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