Leayner Recreation Precinct site of new northern suburbs Youth Hub

The home of new northern suburbs Youth Hub has been revealed. Read where it will be.

Leayner Recreation Precinct Darwin

The Leayner Recreation Precinct will be the home of new northern suburbs Youth Hub.

The hub was originally promised to be built on the old Casuarina Fire Station site on Rowling St. two years ago by the former Labor government.

However in opposition the CLP made an election commitment to “go back to the drawing board” over its location, saying the centre was too close to homes.

Just two weeks ago Sentinel Property group chief executive Warren Ebert, owner of Casuarina Square and multiple other Top End investment properties, called on the government to stick with the original plan.

However Minister for Youth, Seniors and Equality Jinson Charls said the dedicated Youth Hub will still have the same ambitions as that previously proposed for Casuarina – to provide young people in the Darwin region with a safe place to learn new skills, access support services, and participate in pro-social activities.

Casuarina youth hub

“Territorians have waited too long for a permanent home for the Youth Hub in the northern suburbs and I’m pleased to confirm the new location,” said Mr Charls.

“We went to the election with the commitment to look at alternative suitable locations after listening to the community, and that is what we’ve done.

Mr Charls said the current SHAK Youth Drop-In Centre at Sanderson Middle School, which has been running since October 2021, will continue to operate as an interim youth hub while the new Lake Leayner facility is being built.

Local Member for Karama Brian O’Gallagher said the youth hub in the northern suburbs was desperately needed “to provide positive engagement and activity with our vulnerable young people including those living in Karama and Malak.”

“It gives them an alternative to getting caught up in the criminal and anti-social behaviour trap,” said Mr O’Gallagher.

Casuarina youth hub

The new site, based within the popular recreational precinct has existing public transport links.

The government said the new Youth Hub will complement the design work that is currently being undertaken on the Leanyer Water Park Recreation site amenities including a pump track (for cycling, scootering and roller blading), an undercover basketball court and upgrades to skate park amenities.

The government said targeted communication and engagement will be undertaken to inform the community about the new site, listen to feedback and address any concerns.

In the 2025-26 Budget, to be handed down next Tuesday, $4.619 million has been allocated for the project.