Hope yet for home of rugby as Territory Alliance promises to save Richardson Park if elected

RUGBY League stalwarts may have their beloved Richardson Park saved, with an election promise from Terry Mills and his Territory Alliance to preserve the spiritual home of NRL NT.

Territory Alliance leader Terry Mills, front centre, with Save Richardson Park supporters. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

• Richardson Park, the home of Darwin Rugby League, denied heritage status by NT Government
• Protesters launch Richardson Park heritage bid to stop demolition
• Richardson Park will have rugby league field: Minister Eva Lawler
• NT Government allocates $2.9 million to demolish old structures at Richardson Park, upgrade playing field

RUGBY League stalwarts may have their beloved Richardson Park saved, with an election promise from Terry Mills and his Territory Alliance to preserve the spiritual home of NRL NT.

After the ground was last month denied heritage listing, the NT Government planned to bulldoze the ground – along with its memories – and develop an upgraded oval and facility.

But Nightcliff Dragons president Kevin Page said the passion to save the ground was so strong the Dragons had joined forces with their biggest rivals, Darwin Brothers, to fight for the survival of their spiritual home.

“As a club, ourselves and Brothers think it is imperative that this remains as a rugby league facility,” he said.

“Between the two clubs we have something like 500 juniors, we have women’s teams here, we’ve got nowhere to call a home ground, nowhere to train properly.

“This gives us the opportunity to look after all these kids rather than have them end up in a Don Dale situation. The community needs a field to play on.”

MORE TOP STORIES

Darwin Turf Club begins planning 1000-ticket Cup Ball following border announcement

Borders date provides welcome certainty for NT tourism operators

Let Her Speak series on NT sexual assault victim gag laws in NT News lands journalist a Walkley

Mr Page said footy officials thought the ground and grandstand could be repaired and refurbished for $3 million – less than half the $7 million the Government said it would cost to demolish.

“I know the Government were quoting the fact it had concrete cancer – we brought in private engineers who disputed that,” he said.

“The structure has been vandalised but it’s all superficial: the concrete’s here, the roof’s here, the steel’s here. There might be some graffiti on the walls and smashed windows but that can be repaired.”

NEW OFFER: Get a pair of Sennheiser wireless earbuds worth $499 with this 12-month NT News subscription

Territory Alliance leader Terry Mills said maintaining facilities like Richardson Park would bring invaluable benefits to the wider community.

“I see a day where we will meet here and see young people clearly on a better path,” he said.

“I can see our local community celebrating a facility and all its memories that are associated with it.”

Territory Alliance said they would look into enforcing a legal injunction on the demolition of Richardson Park ahead of the NT election in August.