More parking spaces and alternative entrance and exit for Woolworths Darwin CBD carpark

After two years of red tape, the Development Consent Authority has given approval for modifications to what some have called the ‘worst carpark ever created’.

THE wait is finally over for shoppers at Woolworth’s CBD store.

After two years of red tape, the Development Consent Authority has given the green light to modify the Woolies carpark with additional spaces and an alternative entrance and exit.

Considered one of Darwin’s most challenging carparks, dings and fender benders are a clear-and-present threat as drivers negotiate the various nooks and crannies and deal with heavy traffic flow and limited space.

“Worst carpark ever created” and “just plain awful” are some of the colourful descriptions attached to the space.

Applications in 2019 and 2020 with the DCA to upgrade the carpark were deferred.

Undeterred, Woolies was back again last month, this time seeking an additional 18 parking bays – fewer than the two previous bids – two new shade structures and a new two-way access point at Searcy Street.

The Woolworths Darwin carpark, one of the capital’s most challenging carparks to navigate. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

The previous application was assessed under the 2007 Planning Scheme, and the latest benchmarked against the 2020 NT Planning Scheme.

Issues prompting the deferral included disability access, use of wheel stops near the pedestrian link and carpark street visibility.

Public submissions shared the DCA’s concerns around street visibility and others questioned the removal of two heritage houses from Searcy Street and raised safety concerns.

Third time lucky, the DCA acknowledged that while total carpark screening may not be possible, the plans responded to the local environment, provides a ‘high amenity pedestrian environment’ and contributed to activity at street level.

After consultations with the heritage branch the DCA identified the homes at 5 and 7 Searcy Street were not heritage listed.

A Heritage Listing meant Woolworths would have required approval from the Minister for Heritage to relocate or demolish the homes.

Woolworths plans to develop a landscaped 3m strip between the carparking area and Searcy Street, with species designed to lessen the visual impact of the carparking area on its surrounds.

Woolworths was contacted for comment.