Tender aims to breathe cool new life into Alice Springs

KEY work tenders that will inject $20m into the revitalisation of Alice Springs are out

Alice Springs Revitalisation. Concept drawings tenders are released soon SUPPLIED

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KEY work tenders that will inject $20m into the revitalisation of Alice Springs and accelerate the region’s rebound from the coronavirus pandemic are out.

The tenders call for important cooling initiatives for the town recognised for its extreme summer temperatures.

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Following recommendations from a heat mitigation study that found surface temperatures of sunlit streets reached as high as 68 degrees, the plan to cool Alice Springs includes the use of shading devices and water-based technologies such as misters, and increasing the number of trees and other vegetation.

With lighting central to crime prevention and community safety, the NT government has invested $5m towards illuminating public spaces and increasing CCTV in the CBD.

An early works package that included the upgrading of street lights throughout the town centre and along Barrett Drive is nearing completion, while street lights will be installed across more than a dozen streets, parks and trouble spots such as Billy Goat Hill.

Central Australian Economic Reconstruction Minister Chansey Paech said there were several initiatives under way to boost businesses and re-energise the community.

“We have listened and conducted extensive consultation with businesses and other stakeholders because we want Alice Springs to be a dynamic and vibrant place,” he said.

Central Australian Economic Reconstruction Minister Chansey Paech said the projects would reinvigorate the Alice Springs community. Photo: EMMA MURRAY

“The initiatives are positive steps towards making the town a safer, cooler and greener place for locals and visitors alike.”

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said the CBD revitalisation project would turn the centre of Alice Springs into a greener, safer, cooler and more modern place.

“This important economic rebound project will create jobs and ensure the long-term growth and liveability of Alice Springs,” she said,

The $20m in works is one of several major projects the government’s Central Australian Economic Reconstruction Committee (CAERC) is fast-tracking to accelerate the region’s rebound from the coronavirus pandemic.

Alice Springs Revitalisation. Concept drawings tenders are released soon SUPPLIED

Shading and landscaping works will focus on Gregory Terrace, Bath Street and Hartley Street with trees to be planted throughout the CBD.

Landscaping plans have been developed in consultation with the Alice Springs Town Council, and all current carparking areas in the CBD remain.

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Shade structures will be strategically placed around the CBD to assist in developing preferred pathways for pedestrians. Shaded structures with water mister crossings will provide comfort to pedestrians and foster connectivity.

Overall, there are four packages of works that will be tendered separately over the current and next financial years. Stakeholder engagement has taken place and construction starts next year.