Deckchair Cinema supporters start petition to prevent nearby development

Supporters of Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema have started a petition to continue the fight against plans to develop the Darwin Cenotaph carpark, just 90m away from the outdoor theatre.

Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema supporters have started a petition to continue the fight against plans to develop the Darwin Cenotaph carpark, just 90m away from the outdoor theatre.

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DARWIN’S Deckchair Cinema supporters are continuing the fight against an unannounced application to occupy the Darwin Cenotaph carpark, just 90m away from the outdoor theatre.

The petition, written to Darwin council and the Northern Territory Government, has gained almost 1800 signatures and is looking to preserve the carpark as green space.

“We are requesting that the Darwin city council and NTG protect the Deckchair Cinema by honouring the agreement that they made to green the Cenotaph carpark in the Darwin City Deal,” Deckchair Cinema general manager James Parker said.

“Deckchair Cinema is one of the great and unique things that makes Darwin such a fantastic place to live.”

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Mr Parker said support had only grown for the cinema since a letter was tabled to council last month.

“It is incredibly humbling, the cinema is incredibly important to people here in Darwin and for them to show their support, I’m really thankful for people to come to meetings and put their name to a petition,” he said.

“Even all the comments, it’s really amazing what people are saying, lots of people who are local but also those who have travelled from interstate and visited the cinema with their families who live up here.

“I think it's important we look after it.”

While the petition isn’t written against a specific development, a reference is made to the Darwin RSL, which has earmarked the carpark as a potential place for a new venue.

“We sincerely hope that the RSL opens a great new club for their members soon,” he said.

“There are many great sites available for the new RSL so let’s ensure that the Deckchair Cinema is protected for the people of Darwin to enjoy for many years.”

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The RSL is yet to make a formal submission to council over any development application.