Wowsers need to back off and let Darwin city’s laneways live up to their full potential

WOWSERS, step back and let one of the jewels of the Darwin CBD – Austin Lane and Spain Place – thrive

• Flight crew fined for COVID-19 breach in Darwin
• NT Health ‘unintentionally’ leaks 1000s of emails in data breach involving COVID-19 check in app

WOWSERS, step back and let one of the jewels of the Darwin CBD ¬ – Austin Lane and Spain Place – thrive.

In a week where too many businesses in the CBD, Palmerston and Berry Springs were hit by thieves, four popular restaurants and bars are bringing more life to laneways in the heart of the city and showing that Darwin has a thriving entertainment precinct on top of the Mitchell Street pubs and nightclubs.

Little Miss Korea, Good Thanks, Moorish and Babylon Berlin all got approved to serve customers in their respective laneways adding to rooftop bar Charlie’s of Darwin and the Stonehouse with its alfresco area, in the same precinct.

Yet there’s people whining about losing a few car parks and businesses claiming space where itinerants frequent.

OTHER DENISE CAHILL OPINIONS

Review existing Tennant Creek booze restrictions before introducing more

Chief Minister’s offer to fund ‘activities’ to address youth crime in Alice Springs is an insult

Hosting tennis stars presents the same risk to Victoria that accepting repatriation flights does to the NT, and whinging players need a big reality check

Itinerants humbugging diners for food, money and cigarettes will provide a challenge for business owners and their staff.

But it happens already in Darwin. One popular Italian joint has the most diplomatic, calm staff who protect their customers and politely ask itinerants to move on nightly.

Now’s the time to stop and applaud the success of local business and our great CBD along with the Darwin Council who have allowed this to take place.

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis has called it a dream come true.

“I’ve been asking for it for a long, long time … we have been notified the old ugly lanes which are only used to load and unload goods and pick up the rubbish bins to a place we can use where people can actually enjoy dinner out, especially in the dry season,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“They can do it everywhere else in the world … now it can be done in Darwin.

“We have four businesses who can actually put tables and chairs out there and certainly we would like to see (this sort of thing) expand into other areas.”

Austin in Darwin's city centre has had new lighting installed after a street beatification project. Picture: Che Chorley

There were no objections, according to Mr Vatskalis.

Now just for some of Darwin’s most powerful people – the liquor commission members – to sign on the dotted line so diners can enjoy a bevvy on the pavement.

They’ve already granted one wish in allowing Dan Murphy’s to move in, let’s hope the good fortune continues and the approvals for these four restaurants and bars drop soon.

Degraves Street in Melbourne, Wolf Lane in Perth and now Austin Lane and Spain Place in Darwin.

Outdoor dining in the Darwin climate isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but you know what? If you don’t like it, sit inside to enjoy the food and atmosphere these venues have to offer.

Or stay home.

But don’t deprive outdoor dining lovers of this pure joy.

As Babylon Berlin owner Matt Mulga said, it’s the ratepayers’ chance to enjoy the scenery your hard-earned rates and taxes went towards.

Mr Mulga said given the infrastructure and amenity upgrades that had taken place in the precinct, outdoor “wining and dining” would have to eventually follow.

$1 FOR ALL YOUR NEWS? HERE’S HOW: Sign up now to our amazing deal of $1 for 28 days

The council and NT government spent a combined $1.8m on the upgrades that include two covered walkways, tree plantings, decorative lighting and upgraded seating.

There is also a new Activity Node along Austin Lane from Edmunds to Knuckey streets, including Spain Place.

The Activity Node is a dedicated space to support community activities such as street parties and festivals.

Let’s get the logistics sorted by the end of the Wet so locals and visitors alike can experience our laneways during the Dry.

Denise Cahill is the Head of News at the NT News

Follow @DeniseCahill18