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Chief Minister Paul Henderson and Planning Minister Delia Lawrie today unveiled plans to build a new iconic park at Darwin’s old hospital site.

 

“This will be a beautiful park and a great recreation area for Darwin in one of the city’s best locations,” Mr Henderson said.

 

The development will include about 20 per cent of the 8.7 hectare site set aside for residential purposes – a combination of medium density and a signature residential tower.

 

“The park’s concept plans include a children’s water playground, gazebos, public art sculptures open air stage, covered picnic and barbecue areas, flower gardens and shade trees,” Mr Henderson said.

 

“The prime parkland setting will provide panoramic views across Cullen Bay and Darwin Harbour and link with pedestrian access to the beach, Botanic Gardens and Cullen Bay Marina.

 

“The new parkland will cost millions of dollars to develop and is a critical component of this Government’s Ribbon of Green program to beautify public open space for Darwin.

 

“Greening of the planned redevelopment has started with the first plantings of a new raintree avenue along Kahlin Avenue to provide a future shade canopy.

 

“The raintrees will grow to about 20 metres in height and provide a canopy spread of up to 30 metres.”

 

Planning Minister Delia Lawrie said the old hospital site development – both parkland and residential, will go out to a public consultation process with feedback coming back to Cabinet.

 

“The development will reflect the significant historical elements of this site – the old hospital and proximity to the former Kahlin Compound,” Ms Lawrie said.

 

“A section of land along the western boundary will be provide for multiple dwelling residential opportunities to provide up to 60 new dwellings.

 

“We look forward to community comment on this proposed redevelopment through our consultation and will seek feedback from local residents, youth, historical and cultural groups.”

 

Paul Henderson’s Media Contact:  Geoff Fraser 0407 360 256

Delia Lawrie’s Media Contact:        Edwin Edlund 0401 119 563
Related files:
Henderson.15.10.08.Trees in Park.jpg ( 1.79 mb )
Henderson.15.10.08.map.jpg ( 1.58 mb )
henderson.15.10.08.newpark.pdf ( 577.42 kb )