Public to offer feedback on Nuttall Pl closure

CONSULTATION for a plan to bollard off Nuttall Place is expected to take place over the coming weeks as Mitchell Street businesses look to enhance the popular night strip

CONSULTATION for a plan to bollard off Nuttall Place is expected to take place over the coming weeks as Mitchell Street businesses look to enhance the popular night strip.

Australian Venue Co area manager Matthew Hutcheon who is in charge of Monsoons said the plan would remove traffic from the side alley, where patrons line up to enter the venue, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 8pm to 6am.

Party crowds line up outside Monsoons in Mitchell Street to celebrate the end of 2020. Picture: Che Chorley

“Keeping pedestrians and staff safe in this area is really important to us, so we’re excited to submit this proposal and are hopeful for a positive outcome,” he said.

“We’ve proposed temporary bollards, so that they can be used during peak night-life trade but can be removed during the week so that they don’t impact deliveries for neighbouring businesses.”

Darwin council will vote whether to approve the community consultation at Tuesday night’s council meeting, which if approved will begin “as soon as possible”, following which a report would be returned to council.

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Darwin council chief executive officer Scott Waters said under the plan Monsoons would be responsible for the installation and management of the bollards, which would managed via permit.

“(The proposal) is as a result of safety concerns, whereby patrons of Monsoons Nightclub and Party Bar are mixing with traffic on an increased basis due to COVID-19 restrictions on venues,” he said.

“This may result in a future application for activation of Nuttall Place.

“At the completion of COVID-19 restrictions any further extension of the temporary permit or the permanent implantation of the devices will require further consideration of the council.”

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said it was good to see businesses and council quickly acting to activate the CBD ahead of the dry season.

 

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“Hospitality NT supports the activation and increased vibrancy in CBD’s night-life,” he said.

“It’s good to see this has moved quickly to council and to community consultation.”