COTA NT reveals plans to build 69-unit rental block for Darwin seniors

Bold plans to build a multistorey apartment block in Darwin city that ticks ‘all the boxes’ for a specific cohort of Territorians have been revealed. Tell us what you think.

A new multistorey apartment block that will give Territorian seniors a place to stay “till the very end” may be built in Darwin city, if the government gets on board.

Council of the Ageing NT is planning to knock down its Smith St office and build a 69-unit rental building, with each two-bed apartment leased to pensioners at a subsidised rate.

However COTA chief executive Sue Shearer said the proposal had hit a “stumbling block” after a string of meetings with the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics suggested the project would not have the government’s support.

Ms Shearer said the property, which COTA has a 99-year lease over, would need to be rezoned before the organisation could apply for a development permit – a process that would cost at least $23,000 with no guarantee of being approved.

A design of Council of the Ageing's proposed 69-unit apartment block. Picture: Supplied

A design of Council of the Ageing NT has also commissioned the design of a 34-unit apartment block if the bid for a 69-unit block is unsuccessful. Picture: Supplied

“We’ve done all the business cases … and I’ve gone down to the federal government who are very, very interested (in funding the build),” she said.

“But the major stumbling block is getting it rezoned.

“If we get knocked back well that’s out of our funds, we’re a not-for-profit charity.

“I don’t want to put in the (application) for the rezoning until I know it will be passed … and we’ve had no encouragement.”

An Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics department spokeswoman would not answer questions about whether the government would support the proposal.

Council of the Ageing chief executive Sue Shearer said the units were designed to be 2-bed to allow tenants to have a carer or family visit if needed.

“A rezoning or development application for Lot 5338, Town of Darwin has not been formally submitted in accordance with the Planning Act,” the spokeswoman said.

“Application fees are non-refundable to avoid speculative applications and to partially recoup development assessment and compliance regulation costs.”

The building would be positioned nearby Woolworths, a chemist and several banks, offering senior tenants flexibility to access essential services.

While COTA is striving to build a 69-unit block, plans for a 34-unit block have also been formed.

The current Council of the Ageing (COTA) building on Smith St, Darwin. Picture: Annabel Bowles

The carpark-free building would include a social area downstairs as well as an office and green space facing Smith Street.

Meanwhile, Ms Shearer said many senior Territorians have been waiting on a public housing waitlists that stretch up to a decade or paying an “exorbitant” amount for a private rental.

“Unfortunately, it’s a very sad merry-go-round for people on low incomes,” she said.

“It’s been proven that to age healthily and to have a long life, really, you just need a stable home.

“That’s what we’re trying to offer, a stable home so they can don’t have to worry about being evicted.”

Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler has not responded to requests for comment.