Seven organisations vying to build Darwin’s new Bali-style water park near Stokes Hill Wharf

SEVEN organisations are vying to build Darwin’s new Bali-style water park on a 6 hectare parcel of land near Stokes Hill Wharf

An artist’s impression of what a new CBD waterpark could look like. Picture: NT Government

SEVEN organisations are vying to build Darwin’s new Bali-style water park.

Plans to build the park, on a 6ha parcel of land near Stokes Hill Wharf, were announced in April last year.

Expressions of interest closed this week and will now be assessed by senior government officers.

Experts will give advice and the process will be overseen by a probity adviser.

A preferred developed is expected to be selected by early 2019 and work will commence in late 2019 or early 2020.

Chief Minister and water park fan Michael Gunner said the new attraction would bring tourists to the Top End.

“This is an exciting next step in the creation of a Darwin international water theme park,” he said.

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“Creating jobs is my number one priority, and government-facilitated projects like this contribute significantly to the Territory economy through the creation of jobs and business opportunities.

“The Darwin water theme park is part of a comprehensive $100 million plan to revitalise Darwin CBD and make it a world-class tourism mecca, reflecting its status as the capital of Northern Australia.”

A $500,000 feasibility study, conducted by Pico Play and paid for by the NT Government, found the venture would be commercially viable.

It says about 300,000 visitors are expected to pass through the gates of the park every year. Next financial year, the Territory will put in another $1.15 million towards the private-sector project.

Ongoing costs will be borne by the park’s owner without the need for government subsidies.