Richardson Park opening after $7.1m redevelopments

A beloved Territory sporting ground has been reopened following a $7.1m investment to restore the facility. Read what’s next for the site.

Richardson Park has been reopened after a multi-million dollar investment.

The newly redeveloped Richardson Park has been opened following a $7.1m government investment into upgrades at the ground.

The $7.1m project has turned the park into a community sporting and recreational facility, which boasts two brand new multi-purpose sports grounds.

Discussions are currently ongoing with local peak bodies to make the fields the primary training grounds for two local clubs.

The Nightcliff Dragons and Darwin Brothers rugby league clubs have been given priority to claim the space, as they were previously based at Richardson Park before developments commenced.

Sporting groups will also be able to hire the grounds for training or other activities, such as sign on days, school sports days and boot camps.

The development to date includes two new playing fields, multiple grassed family areas, picnic shelters and new trees.

Works has also included earth works, stormwater drainage, and services including electrical, water, sewer, telecommunications and CCTV cameras.

A new amenities block including change room facilities has been added, as well as a new road to Ludmilla School from Richardson Drive.

Developments at Richardson Park continue as $1.4m tender awarded to Jaytex Constructions.

It’s part of several multi-million dollar investments into local sporting infrastructure including the Tracy Village redevelopment and Palmerston Raiders’ change room upgrades.

There was also a $9m investment at Purkiss Reserve in Tennant Creek including a multipurpose playing field, cricket nets, outdoor exercise stations and a refurbishment of the tennis courts.

At Richardson Park a $1.4m construction tender has been awarded to Jaytex Constructions to build the ablution facilities, change rooms, storage and undercover areas.

These works are expected to be completed by late 2024 and will mark the final stage of the Richardson Park community space project.

Fannie Bay MLA Brent Potter said the park had been transformed into a “beautiful community based sporting facility”.

“The Lawler Labor Government has transformed Richardson Park into a beautiful community based sporting facility and as local member for Fannie Bay I am extremely proud to see the fences come down,” he said.

“I’m sure Darwin’s local rugby league clubs and other sporting groups will make good use of the reconstructed playing fields, alongside families who will now have another park to bring their children and dogs.”