Construction under way for Darwin’s rugby spiritual home

The $7.1m redevelopment will revive the code’s spiritual home and create better access for the surrounding area. See the latest designs.

THE revitalisation of Darwin rugby league’s spiritual home is well and truly under way with civil components now 40 per cent completed.

The Territory Labor Government allocated $7.1m to the redevelopment of Ludmilla’s iconic rugby league venue Richardson Park to breathe new life into the site while also providing better access into Ludmilla Primary School.

Richardson Park concept design. Picture: Supplied by Labor

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the new facility would preserve the sporting significance of the venue with an upgraded playing field, exercise equipment and a playground area for local children.

“This is a fantastic job creating project that will continue Richardson Park’s legacy as a much loved community recreation area,” she said.

“We anticipate the fields will be finished later this year. Then we will welcome the community to use this space.”

Ludmilla Primary School parents and students will also receive better access to the campus through a road extension of Richardson Drive which will include new carparks, driveways and pathways.

Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler said “Richardson Park is a significant community site” which has long provided “recreation opportunities for the community”.

CLP’s Fannie Bay candidate Ben Hosking said residents surrounding Richardson Park were “angry” because of the amount of dust that had been kicked up by the latest construction and a lack of consultation.

“There hasn’t been a lot of consultation there in regards to what’s going to happen after Richardson Park is completed in regards to patrols or caretakers or lighting,” he said.

“It’s just been a railroad announcement by Labor to try and pork barrel the election once again.”

A separate tender will be released soon for ablutions block, change rooms, storage areas and associated undercover area.

All work on site is anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2023.