Old Admiralty House to get a new lease of life as Minister Josh Burgoyne ticks off revamp plans

The Darwin Services Club’s plans for old Admiralty House have been give the tick by the Northern Territory Government.

Artists impression Darwin RSL at old Admiralty House

The Darwin Services Club’s plans for old Admiralty House have been give the tick by the Northern Territory Government.

Lands, Planning and Environment Minister, Joshua Burgoyne has signed off on the plans after

the proposed changes by the Darwin RSL Sub-Branch to Admiralty House were knocked back by NT Heritage,

Minister Burgoyne said it was exciting to move forward with plans to revive one of Darwin’s most renowned buildings, Admiralty House, with one of Darwin’s longstanding organisations, the Darwin RSL.

Old Admiralty House used to be the home of Char Restaurant and is ideally situated on the Esplanade opposite the Darwin Cenotaph war memorial in Bicentennial Park which is the starting point for the Anzac Day March through the Darwin CBD.

Artists impression Darwin RSL at old Admiralty House

“After too long sitting idle following increased crime under the former Labor government, this is a great step forward as part of our year of action, certainty, and security for the Territory.

“As a heritage site, it is important to ensure the building’s values are preserved and protected. “I considered all available information and advice when approving this application, including visual representations of the proposed plans and advice from the Heritage Council, and have imposed conditions on the work approval to mitigate heritage impacts.

“Heritage buildings should be visited, used, and appreciated.

“It will be great to see the iconic Admiralty House come alive again under the Darwin RSL Club.”

Darwin Services Club chairman Paul Winter said he was delighted with the Minister’s approval.

“The approval is subject to a couple of conditions, but none of these present a problem,” Mr Winter said.

Artists impression Darwin RSL at old Admiralty House

“We can get on with the work that needs to be done and we expect once we get a building permit we will be up and running in about four months.

“We are very excited.

“This is going to be an amazing transformation in keeping with its heritage values.”

The Darwin Services Club, which is a separate entity to the RSL, has a two-year lease on Admiralty House with a guarantee to buy.

“Admiralty House will be in good hands,” Mr Winter said.

“We’re going to get the facility up and running with a three-stage development to make the place look amazing,” he said.

The club has secured one of the Territory’s best hospitality providers, DCL, headed by three directors including Darren Lynch, to manage the new operation.

“DCL will deliver great food that will go with the new venue,”