$88m Northern Territory Art Gallery in Darwin city construction timeline revealed
The construction timeline of a new Darwin art gallery has been revealed as shovels hit soil on the $88m project. Here’s when it is planned to open.
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The first sod has turned to make way for a “visionary” new art gallery in the heart of Darwin.
The project’s construction kicked off on Monday as part of a $145m redevelopment of the CBD’s Civic and State Square.
Territory company Sitzler has been tasked with delivering the new Northern Territory Art Gallery, which will encompass four galleries, a community space, shop and cafe, as well as surrounding landscaping works.
Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler said the project would support 322 local jobs.
“The aim is to have the art gallery completed by the last quarter in 2024,” she said.
“When this visionary project is completed, we will have a world-class art gallery and venue to attract more people to our beautiful capital.
“It is a unique project that will be an exceptional build and something that the Northern Territory – all Territorians – can be very proud of.”
Infrastructure Commissioner Louise McCormick said the project would help the Territory achieve its goal of a $40bn economy by 2030, while also being sustainably built.
“As part of that we’ll have solar panels on the roof, we have skins on the building that are specifically designed for the art gallery, as well as brain screens which are a Territory feature,” she said.
The use of lower-carbon concrete is set to be another feature of the building, aimed to operate at net zero emissions by 2050.
Sitzler’s $88m contract also includes construction of the precinct’s ‘Central Heart’, a shaded space for community events, as well as a tropical tree walk along Smith Street and forecourts to Parliament House and Supreme Court.
Works already complete in the area include an underground carpark and landscaping of the former 90-bay car park.
The Chan Building was demolished more than two years ago to make way for the precinct’s redevelopment.
The masterplan of the Civic and State Square redevelopment was released in 2019.
Consultation with Indigenous groups and stakeholders will go ahead to determine an appropriate Aboriginal name and dual title for the gallery.
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