DCA application lodged for Larrakia Cultural Centre

Plans for Darwin’s long-awaited Larrakia Cultural Centre have moved a step closer to fruition.

DARWIN’S long-awaited Larrakia Cultural Centre has moved a step closer with the planning application lodged with the Development Consent Authority.

Pink development signs were erected last week at the old Indo Pacific Marine site at Stokes Hill Wharf and a hearing is expected to take place next year.

If approved, the $40m project will be financed from mining royalties paid into the Aboriginal Benefits Account.

Larrakia Development Corporation has worked with a Larrakia working group to develop the Cultural Centre’s future purpose and design.

The submission lodged with the Development Consent Authority says the centre is a “long-held ambition by Larrakia people to establish a purpose-built cultural centre to celebrate ... history and living culture, maintain language and cultural traditions for future generations, and maintain and establish strong links with other Indigenous people”.

The submission says cultural symbols underpinning the centre design include a ceremonial space and a “welcome to country journey” through the site’s landscaping, which will reflect the ­diversity of natural vegetation found in Larrakia country.

The building will be three levels, including an underground carpark, and contain two distinct wings joined by bridges at the upper level.

The building will sit equal to and lower than Stokes Hill. The three stories are the semi-underground carpark, the exhibition, classrooms and studios, and the top floor is a commercial office space, meeting rooms and harbourview restaurant.

The Larrakia Cultural Centre in Darwin. Picture: Supplied

The building will be ori­ented to maximise views over the harbour and capture sea breezes.

Main entry will be at level one and is reached by a bridge and ramp from ground level.

Its design provides framed views of the surrounding landscape before presenting the visitor with a dramatic double-height arrival space.

A key feature is the ceremonial space between the building and water’s edge.

The submission says: “It is culturally very important that this space have a connection to the sea.

“The ceremonial space will consist of a circular space and an amphitheatre. The circular space adjacent to the amphitheatre will be the venue for important ceremonies to be performed.”

It is expected the amphitheatre will host major ceremonies, and also cultural performances and concerts.

Early planning indicates the centre could host 42 events a year, including exhibitions, NAIDOC Week events and conferences.

Larrakia Development Corporation chief executive Nigel Browne said if ­approved, it would be a triumph for Aboriginal people.

“The development and management of the Larrakia Cultural Centre is being led by the LDC, using Aboriginal fin­ancing and inputs from the Larrakia working group,” he said. An application to rezone the site is also before the DCA.