Bundilla Park to home food trucks, basketball court in $3m activation

An underused beachside park is set to undergo a $3m facelift, which will include spaces for food trucks and more.

A basketball half-court and four food truck sites are the drawcards in a developing vision for one of Darwin’s most underused public spaces.

The park beside Bundilla Beach, formerly known as Vesteys Beach, is set to receive a $3m activation designed to “unlock the area” for locals and visitors alike.

The multimillion-dollar pledge was a key promise of Labor’s Brent Potter, who came out on top in the Fannie Bay by-election in August.

The NT government is now working with the City of Darwin to develop a plan for the council-owned land.

Increased lighting and irrigation for grassed areas will also form part of the package of works.

The upgrades are expected to facilitate greater foot traffic between the popular Darwin Ski, Sailing and Trailer Boat clubs.

Darwin Ski Club treasurer Paul Gurr said the club was “very supportive” of the idea.

“We do not envisage food trucks being a detraction (but) in fact it will complement our offering, similar to what (is happening) at Nightcliff foreshore,” Mr Gurr said.

“Additional lighting and security cameras between the two clubs is (also) a must and we certainly request that is mandatory.

“We have ongoing legacy issues with security and constant issues with violent incidents from that area infiltrating into the Ski Club’s grounds and causing disruptions to patrons.”

The investment comes after years of discussion. Picture: Tourism Australia/Allan Dixon

Trailer Boat Club general manager Alex Erlich agreed the upgrades were needed.

“Bundilla Park is lovely, it should be a showcase area,” Mr Erlich said.

“The Trailer Boat, Sailing and Ski clubs are all community clubs and we’re not too concerned about competition with the food trucks.

“If they just sell snacks, coffee and that sort of thing I’ll be all for it, but I’d be a bit disappointed if a licensed restaurant was put there – the main issue would be parking.

“I also hope that the long grass (people) who have slept in that area for many years are taken care of.

“They’re not part of any anti-social issues and we respect that that’s their space.”

Bundilla Beach is a scenic area, ideal for increased activation. Picture: Tourism Australia/Allan Dixon

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the project would revitalise Fannie Bay and surrounding suburbs.

“Bundilla Park is important to the community and we know that Territorians would like to see this area activated,” Ms Fyles said.

“Our vision for Bundilla is for an area which is community and family friendly and which can hold community events.

“We are a government who invests in our suburbs and regions, because it is good for the economy, local jobs and attracting visitors to the Territory.”

The NT government’s $3m commitment marks the first major pledge for Bundilla Beach but ideas have been thrown around for years.

The City of Darwin is developing a plan to put a dog park in Bundilla Park. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

In 2020, the City of Darwin included a $40m Bundilla Beach surf facility at the centre of its project prospectus.

Developers were invited to make a proposal that included a surf-cub house, wave pool and outdoor eateries.

It was also voted as the most popular option for a new Darwin dog park in an NT News poll.

The City of Darwin is now developing a dog park plan for Bundilla Beach after it too found the area would be the community’s preferred location.

Mr Potter has also promised to build a new school in Parap and commit $1m into CCTV at Fannie Bay shops.

Vesteys Beach was renamed Bundilla Beach in early 2021 in recognition and at the request of Larrakia Traditional Owners.

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Originally published as Bundilla Park to home food trucks, basketball court in $3m activation