$50m museum project flagged for land near Myilly Point
A MUSEUM could be built on the site where Darwin’s old hospital and Kahlin Compound once stood
Northern Territory
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A MULTI-MILLION dollar museum could be built in the heart of Darwin, on the site where the town’s old hospital and Kahlin Compound once stood.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner touted the idea when he announced a 10-year plan to revitalise Darwin CBD — “fast-tracking” $120m in long term infrastructure investments — in his recent “Year Ahead” speech. The potential museum project on land near Myilly Point could have a price tag of up to $50m.
A Territory Government spokesman told the NT News: “This is a signature site and it needs a signature project”.
“We want a development to be a source of pride for Territorians, which creates hundreds of construction and ongoing jobs,” the spokesman said.
The NT Planning Commission produced a draft concept plan for the site’s potential development under CLP government reign in 2014.
It stated previous consultation had highlighted the community’s “strong values and emotional ties” to the area including with Larrakia culture, indigenous people held in Kahlin Compound under the Commonwealth’s assimilation policy, the old hospital history, Myilly Point heritage precinct, Cyclone Tracy and World War II.
Previous pushes to develop the land were quashed in 2009 when a feasibility study showed it was not financially viable.
It is understood any proposed development would include extensive consultation with traditional owners and other interested parties.
Many stories would need to be respectfully told as part of any project on this site, including that of the Kahlin Compound, which is an important part of NT history.
Mr Gunner said redeveloping Darwin’s State Square could also include demolishing the Chan Building, moving the bus terminal and possibly moving the NT Supreme Court carpark underground.
“Investment has not kept pace with the march of time,” he said. “This year we start on a 10-year plan to bring the Darwin CBD to life.”
The government has attached $50m to a National Indigenous Art Gallery and $20m to a Cultural Centre, both pegged for Alice Springs.
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