Smith Street Walkway Given Green Light
The $3.2 million Smith Street walkway between the Mall and the Waterfront is one step closer following last night’s Darwin City Council approval of the concept plans.
Infrastructure Minister Delia Lawrie today welcomed the approval which now paves the way forward for Macmahon Contractors to build the 300m walkway by the end of the Dry Season.
“The new walkway will create up to 30 jobs in construction and provide locals and tourists with safe and easy access between the Waterfront and the CBD,” Ms Lawrie said.
“Once complete, the walkway will attract more people to the CBD, benefiting local businesses.
“The walkway will provide an interpretive experience of the history of Darwin from a cultural perspective including Chinese heritage and the bombing of Darwin.
“The shade structures will be illuminated for safe night time passage and the lighting effects will be utilised during State Square events including the Festival of Darwin.
“The construction of the Waterfront to Mall walkway is part of the Henderson Government’s record $870 million infrastructure budget aimed at building a better Territory and creating thousands of jobs for Territory families.
“Last night’s decision was a positive step and I am urging my Department to work closely with Council to finalise the design and ongoing maintenance costs to allow construction to start.
“We anticipate the walkway to be finished by the end of the Dry Season with the public art component ready by the end of the year.”
Ms Lawrie said construction of the pedestrian footbridge over Kitchener Drive between the Waterfront and the Esplanade – which will connect up to the walkway – was nearing completion.
“Construction on the $3.6 million pedestrian footbridge by Macmahons began late last year – creating jobs for more than 20 Territorians – and is set for completion in March,” Ms Lawrie said.
“Once open to the public, pedestrians will be able to walk from Darwin CBD over the Hughes Avenue connection, then onto the Kitchener Drive footbridge landing onto the Vibe Hotel.
“There they can take in the breath taking views from a viewing terrace and access glass lifts – including disabled access – down the side of the building and the public domain parklands.”
Contact: Edwin Edlund 0401 119 563
Related files:
Lawrie.250209.Walkway.pdf ( 34.55 kb )