The NT Government has allocated $2.9 million to demloish old structres at Richardson Park and upgrade the playing field

THE grandstand, offices and changerooms at Richardson Park are set to be demolished, with the NT Government officially making $2.9 million available to revive the spiritual home of Darwin rugby league.

The derelict state of Richardson Park.

THE grandstand, offices and changerooms at Richardson Park are set to be demolished, with the NT Government officially making $2.9 million available to revive the spiritual home of Darwin rugby league.

The Ludmilla facility has been left in a derelict state since NRL NT abandoned it after 55 years in 2014 due to fiscal mismanagement.

In Parliament on May 8, Member for Fong Lim Jeff Collins said the Government had designated money for Richardson Park, following its decision to reject a fully costed proposal from NRL NT clubs, Brothers and Nightcliff, to take control of the ground.

“Of importance to Ludmilla is the money allocated to works on Richardson Park, $2.9 million to demolish old structures and upgrade the playing field surfaces and landscaping,” Collins said.

The Opposition quizzed the Government on what its plan was for the facility, and where the $2.9 million was allocated in the budget, with Treasurer Nicole Manison saying no decisions would be made without consulting the community first.

“We want to see a future for Richardson Park where there is a playing field that people in rugby clubs can utilise for training, to have ablutions and to play games,” Manison said.

“In preparing for the budget, we have given in-principle support for up to $2.9 million going forward.”

Manison also said other organisations were interested in the facility and that early discussions and consultations were taking place.

When the NT News asked the Government who the other interested organisations were and how the $2.9 million figure had been calculated before they had started community consultation, Manison said: “We will not make changes to Richardson Park until we have consulted with the local community, the school and the rugby league community.

“We want the future of Richardson Park to include an oval and ablution facilities to support training and rugby games.

“We will continue to engage with the community, rugby league representatives, and other stakeholders as the project progresses.”

Opposition Leader Gary Higgins said Richardson Park should be maintained while consultation was being undertaken.

“While it continues to deteriorate, the end cost (to refurbish) will only increase for Territory taxpayers,” Higgins said. “Richardson Park remains the spiritual home of rugby league in Darwin, therefore the Opposition supports any involvement grassroots clubs may have in the future use of the ground.”