Katherine Town Council announce Civic Centre redevelopment

Since it was opened more than 40 years ago, Katherine’s Civic Centre has undergone minimal maintenance. Now the centre is set to receive a $5m makeover.

Katherine's Civic Centre is set to undergo a $5 million makeover. Photo: Supplied.

Katherine’s Civic Centre is set to undergo a $5 million makeover, with local council aiming to start redevelopment later this year.

On Wednesday morning, Katherine Town Council announced the comprehensive upgrade after lengthy discussions regarding ageing and insufficient infrastructure.

Opened in 1982, the Civic Centre has undergone minimal maintenance and upgrades.

Key issues brought to the council’s attention have included a leaking roof, noncompliance with Australian disability standards, inadequate emergency exits, poor lighting and ventilation and outdated IT infrastructure.

Several issues relating to the Civic Centre's infrastructure has been raised with KTC.

Mayor Lis Clark said the multi million dollar touch up would breathe new life into the town.

“The Civic Centre redevelopment is vital to our town’s future – we are creating a modern, welcoming, and efficient facility that will serve Katherine for generations by addressing these longstanding issues,” she said.

“Electing to use the loan facility will distribute the financial impact across current and future ratepayers, avoiding immediate rate increases.”

The Civic Centre was opened in 1982 and has undergone minimal upgrades.

Upgrade objectives include delivering a watertight roof, modern heating and air conditioning, new bathrooms and ramps, energy-efficient lighting, new office spaces and new IT infrastructure.

KTC have confirmed assessments conducted from structural engineers, architects and quantity surveyors have already been reviewed and approved, with construction set to commence in late 2025 with a completion target of August, 2026.

KTC have also confirmed council staff will temporarily relocate to other council facilities, including the library, visitor information centre, and the waste management office while redevelopment is underway, ensuring the continuity of council services.