Hospitality NT, REINT say relocated railway terminal could be a huge boost to Palmerston

A tender into the feasibility of relocating the Darwin Passenger Railway Terminal has received support from local business leaders.

INDUSTRY leaders say relocating the Darwin Passenger Railway Terminal (DRT) to Palmerston could transform the area and leave a more positive impression of the NT in traveller’s minds.

In August, the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics released a tender for a relocation feasibility study and concept design to move the DRT to Palmerston and allow The Ghan to station ­either at Tivendale between Tiger Brennan Drive and Kirkland Rd or Archer south of Catalina Drive.

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said the project would allow for more economic ­opportunities and also confirmed the project could allow for the potential development of a public rail system.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce, who has previously spoken with the NT News about improving The Ghan’s departure and arrival point in the Top End, was supportive of the tender.

“(The Ghan) is already a fantastic experience. The final missing piece is that point of departure,” he said.

“People jumping off in a world-class station that has the cultural story incorporated into it can only put them into a better frame of mind to continuing to enjoy their holiday in the Top End, including enjoying our many different hospitality venues.”

Mr Bruce said growing the terminal to include a public rail system could be developed in tandem with projects such as the proposed $300m Darwin City stadium.

Real Estate Institute of the Northern Territory chief executive Quentin Kilian said the project could transform Palmerston, particularly if the DRT was expanded to include a public rail system.

“It really adds value to what the Palmerston City council want to do in recreating Palmerston as a business centre rather than trying to focus on squeezing everything into the CBD,” he said.

“If you’ve got 2km of area where you’ve got to pull the train up, there’s real scope there to build along the platform with quite a number of retail outlets ranging from food, ice creams, souvenirs.

“It’s brilliant we’re moving in those general directions that we’re getting the sort of infrastructure that Darwin has been screaming for.”

Property Council NT executive director Ruth Palmer said it was critical to explore potential projects to grow the Territory. “The Property Council supports improved infrastructure, which is vital for the ongoing development of the north and overall growth the Northern Territory – we believe all ideas are worth exploring, but ultimately needs to be supported by economic ­viability,” she said.

A poll by the NT News revealed 54 per cent of voters were supportive of moving the DRT to the Tivendale site. 21 per cent preferred the Archer site; 25 per cent said alternative sites should be considered, such as near Darwin Airport.