DCOH projects bearing fruit as huge housing announcement looms

The next few weeks will be significant for a newly rebranded Territory company. Read what’s planned.

Consolidating after a significant restructure and business rebranding, DCOH chief executive Shane Dignan continues to champion the Northern Territory as the economy looks to rebound after a disrupted few years.

With the company’s diversified portfolio of design, construction and hospitality ventures now united under the DCOH brand, the next few weeks will see the conclusion of the company’s first two key projects and the extension of another.

On Saturday, Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King will unveil DCOH’s $27m redevelopment of Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre for City of Darwin.

The upgrade, visible through its Gsell Street cyclone fence, has breathed new life into the 54-year-old facility that will now entertain the next generation of Territorian as it did with their parents.

Finishing touches are also being made to Charles Darwin University’s CBD campus, a showpiece $250m project that will breathe new life into Darwin’s city centre and deliver a new construction landmark to the Territory.

Artistic render of the Casuarina Aquatic and Leisure Centre which opens Saturday. Picture: City of Darwin

And one of the bigger projects, Northcrest residential housing development, Mr Dignan said the company was preparing to lodge future stages with the Development Consent Authority in coming weeks.

The project has a further 1500 new lots at the Major Project-declared residential development to be built over potentially 15 plus years.

About 300 lots have been developed and about 250 houses built so far at Northcrest, with another 200 lots being developed and titled over the next year.

Work is also underway on new a McDonalds family restaurant, Northern Land Council’s new headquarters, plans to develop a childcare centre, OTR and other commercial lots.

The Northcrest residential development will deliver more than a huge housing dividend. DCOH is in the process of installing tens-of-millions of dollars in headworks infrastructure for the adjoining estate.

“We got people surveying the land to get it ready, we have staff working in planning, in engineering, civil contracting, and builders constructing housing and commercial,” Mr Dignan said.

Northcrest is a master planned development sitting between Darwin, Palmerston and Casuarina. Picture: Supplied

“The infrastructure headworks we’re putting in here for Territorians are not just for Northcrest but the surrounding district including Knuckey’s Lagoon and the Berrimah Farm site.

“The sewerage goes to the Leanyer ponds, the underground power is for the benefit of adjoining properties and DCOH is also putting in the Stuart Highway intersection, a new sewer pump station and a school site.

“So far we’ve put in $30-40m of headworks for another 800 lots – at no cost to the taxpayer.”

The challenge ahead for whichever party is in power after August 24 is to improve liveability in Darwin and the Territory, including getting on top of crime and accessibility.

Mr Dignan believes airfares are a major factor in determining the Territory’s liveability and accessibility with the current cost of flights.

With the upcoming 2024 election, he supports the CLP’s $50,000 first home-build grant, and the Labor’s $60,000 package, which he said would be great for all Territorians.

With just 25 residential building approvals across the entire Northern Territory in April and May, he said the home-build packages would drive sustained residential housing growth in the sector in coming months and years.

“This is the announcement that the Northern Territory needed and it will hopefully be a huge and sustainable boost to the sector, which will attract people to the Territory to work and to raise their families,” he said.

DCOH is a supporting partner of the NT News’ Future Northern Territory campaign, which returns for its third year, as the push to create a $40bn economy by 2030 continues. To purchase a ticket to the event on July 18, scan the QR.

Originally published as DCOH projects bearing fruit as huge housing announcement looms