Dan Murphy’s, Lee Point among the NT’s controversial developments of 2021

They’re the plans that had NIMBYs in an uproar and others loudly celebrating. Some went ahead and some were scrapped. SEE OUR LIST.

They’re the plans that had NIMBYs in an uproar and others loudly celebrating.

Some went ahead and some were scrapped.

So what developments had Territorians talking in 2021?

MUIRHEAD PUB

In January 2021, the NT Liquor Commission gave the green light to a new “family friendly tavern” development in Muirhead, despite a record number of objections.

The owners of the former Globies sports bar in Mitchell St, Justin Coleman and Steve Dugan, applied to transfer their old liquor licence to the proposed new Breezes retail precinct, including a bar and bistro, in February 2020.

But the proposal attracted objections from 256 people, businesses and community organisations, by far the most received by the commission.

The commission heard the objectors feared the “destruction” of the quiet amenity of the neighbourhood, the risk of increased anti-social behaviour and an increase in poker machines, as well as the financial impact on the nearby Cas Club and Tracy Village Sports Club.

Then, in July, the tavern got another green light as an appeal against the original decision was rejected.

Dan Murphy’s shocked Territorians when they decided not to open in Darwin.

DAN MURPHY’S

Darwinites were shocked in April when liquor giant Dan Murphy’s decided to pull out of plans to build a superstore in Darwin, despite getting the green light from the NT Liquor Commission.

The decision to scrap the project came after the Woolworths group received an independent panel review that considered issues with the development.

The plans were lovely but at this stage we’re unlikely to see a luxury hotel at the Darwin waterfront for many years. Picture: Che Chorley

LUXURY WATERFRONT HOTEL

The NT government has been forced to look for new interest in building a luxury hotel at the Darwin Waterfront after Landbridge pulled out of the project this year.

Doubts were cast over the luxury hotel when Landbridge, which was originally awarded the contract to build the hotel, pulled out.

However, Marriott International confirmed in July it was more committed than ever to operate the luxury hotel in Darwin.

Lee Point stage one development commenced despite community backlash. Picture: Glenn Campbell

LEE POINT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Work at Lee Point is already under way, with bulldozers sweeping through large swathes of land in Darwin’s northern suburbs to create space for 800 Defence homes.

But that hasn’t stopped Darwin Council from urging the NT government to put a freeze on the development, which was approved back in 2018.

There have been growing calls from members of the community to put a stop to the redevelopment of one of the last major natural bushland sites in Darwin.

An artists impression of the Blake St tower. Picture: Makrylos.

PARKLANDS

This one’s been on the list for a few years now but it was in 2021 that a court ruled the legislative amendment that scotched a controversial proposed multimillion dollar residential development in The Gardens was valid under the Australian Constitution.

Makrylos Group took the Territory government to court in 2020, challenging a decision by Planning Minister Eva Lawler to knock back its Parklands development following community backlash.

Then while that legal action was still ongoing, the government amended the Planning Act with a clause specifically validating Ms Lawler’s decision, effectively rendering the court challenge futile.

AND FROM 2020, JUST FOR FUN

Concept art of the Darwin RSL club house. Picture: Supplied

DARWIN RSL ON THE ESPLANADE

The beleaguered Darwin RSL was finally forced to reveal it would rebuild from the ashes of its original CBD site after months of drama surrounding its proposed relocation to the Esplanade.

The original RSL clubhouse on Cavenagh St burnt down in June 2018 after a fire that was eventually deemed not suspicious, started in the building’s roof cavity.

The plans for the Esplanade site were scrapped after outcry from many members of the public, particularly the operators of the Deckchair Cinema.

Throb on Point.

EAST POINT BEACH CLUB

And for good measure, we’ll never forget plans for a Throb-esque beach club on East Point.

The Throb on Point Coastal Sunset Lounge initiative of Throb Nightclub was designed to help the longstanding business survive the economy-crushing coronavirus pandemic.

But community members, including the Fannie Bay Equestrian Club (FBEC), opposed it due to a perceived lack of consultation and changing designs.

Darwin Council and the NT government also had to defend their involvement in the process, particularly after the council granted the venue a temporary permit during a confidential meeting.