$100m, eight-storeys urban village gets blessing on former Melanka site at Alice Springs

ALICE Springs is one step closer to having its tallest building after Planning Minister David Tollner this week granted an exceptional development permit for a $100 million urban village on the former Melanka site.

An impression of how development of the former Melanka site in Alice Springs will look from above.

ALICE Springs is one step closer to having its tallest building after Planning Minister David Tollner this week granted an exceptional development permit for a $100 million urban village on the former Melanka site.

The project includes three eight-storey towers comprising an 86-room hotel with a rooftop bar, 1​9​0 apartments and a 108-place childcare centre.

Chief Minister Adam Giles said the development would provide a significant economic boost for Alice Springs — creating new homes, jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

“It will also provide more choice for people looking to buy a home in Alice Springs and more retail and entertainment choices for all residents,” he said.

“The development will also be an attractive place for visitors and business people to base themselves when visiting the Red Centre, further strengthening our tourist industry.”

Mr Tollner said the buildings would be the tallest in Alice Springs.

The NT Planning Commission has already recommended the CBD’s height limit be lifted to eight storeys from three storeys.

“The Territory Government supports well-designed developments which enhance the community and create new jobs and homes for local people,” Mr Tollner said.

A spokesman for Eden Developments, Dean Osborne, said the approval was a major milestone.

Mr Osborne confirmed Northern Territory builder Sunbuild was the selected builder and would seek to maximise work for Alice Springs contractors and suppliers.

“It has been a long and exhaustive process, however it was important that the Alice Springs community was provided every opportunity to comment,” Mr Osborne said.

“Well prior to lodging a formal application for a development permit, the project was presented to an open Alice Springs Council meeting and the early plans were displayed on a website for public comment.

“We received 66 responses, which were well in favour of the development, however more importantly, we took notice of constructive comments for improvement and sought to include these ideas into the formal plans submitted.”