Roof top bars overlooking Esplanade and harbour backed by community and industry leaders

THE IDEA of roof top bars and restaurants overlooking the Esplanade and harbour has been enthusiastically backed by the community and industry leaders

An artist’s impression of the Esplanade board walk which could link the Waterfront, Lameroo Beach and Doctors Gully

THE idea of rooftop bars and restaurants in existing buildings overlooking the Esplanade and harbour has been backed by the community and industry leaders.

NT Property Council of Australia executive director Ruth Palmer said the support from Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis for rooftop bars and restaurants acknowledged the important role the private sector would play in revitalising Darwin’s CBD.

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“The Northern Territory government in January 2020 amended the Planning Scheme to encourage alfresco usage in private developments,” Ms Palmer said.

Ms Palmer said there were things the Darwin council could do to streamline the process of putting in a rooftop bar or restaurant should the owner of one of the city’s high rises look to put one in.

“We stand ready and willing to constructively work with City of Darwin on much-needed reforms that will provide all of us with an active and vibrant city, with the same amenities of a southern capital city,” she said.

The old Lameroo baths, on The Esplanade foreshore – a much-loved recreational facility in early post-war Darwin. Picture: Supplied

Alexandra Littlechild was among many who commented on Facebook saying they supported the idea of a rooftop bar:

“Yes! But nice buildings also, take some tips from Singapore and their architecture. They are attractions in themselves.”

Darwin council continues to back a boardwalk and Lameroo Baths concept with a plan to start work within six months once funding is secured.

Council won’t know if it has federal government support until May next year when grant recipients are announced.

The concept would link the Waterfront, Lameroo Beach and Doctors Gully via a boardwalk that would sit below the parkland and not affect the green space.

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A council spokeswoman said the City of Darwin, “encourages activation of this stunning public space for events”.

Despite support just one food truck has a permit to operate there.

“There is currently only one vendor operating on the Esplanade – this is in the marked car spaces adjacent to the Bicentennial Park Play Space,” the spokeswoman said.

“City of Darwin hasn’t been approached for additional permits.”

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