The Territory Labor Government is creating local jobs with three major tenders awarded this week as part of the Alice Springs Revitalisation.

The Territory Labor Government is investing $20 million to reinvigorate and create a safer and more vibrant Alice Springs CBD for locals and visitors to enjoy. Through this investment, $15 million has been allocated for CBD revitalisation projects, and $5 million towards the Breaking the Cycle of Crime plan.

Overall, there have been four main works packages tendered separately, with expected construction to be complete in 2022. The projects will support more than 70 local jobs during the construction phase and more – including local businesses benefitting from the upgrades – afterwards.

The first round of early works packages for the CBD Revitalisation was two new Wayfinding routes, which direct pedestrians between the CBD and both the Heritage District and the Railway Station, with works completed August 2020. Additionally, a second early works package has already seen a number of LED luminaires in the CBD and along Barrett Drive and was completed in March 2021.

These projects have been developed in collaboration with the Alice Springs Town Council.

Lighting upgrades tender:

Territory business Aussie Mandias Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to Supply, Deliver, Install and Commissioning of Lighting and CCTV Upgrades tender for $1.9 million to the following areas:

• Stott Tce Bridge
• Trevor Reid Park
• Billy Goat Hill
• Leichhardt Tce
• Tuncks Rd causeway

Works will include the installation of additional CCTVs in priority locations which will be connected to the Police CCTV network.

This package will deliver priority elements of the Lighting Masterplan, which were developed during the design stage.

The Lighting Masterplan identified areas within the CBD that are poorly lit and may be susceptible to anti-social behaviour. Through this works package, a number of lighting upgrades will provide a safer more vibrant CBD.

Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2021.

Cooling initiatives tender:

Territory business McMahon Services Australia (NT) Pty Ltd has be awarded the Construction of Shade Structures, Landscaping, Roadworks and Associated Works tender for $6 million, with shading and greening of Gregory Terrace, Bath Street and Hartley Street the focus for this project.  In addition to shade structures, trees will be planted extensively throughout the CBD to improve shading and cooling.

Shade structures will be strategically placed around the CBD to assist in developing preferred pathways for pedestrians. Shaded structures with water mister crossings will provide comfort in hotter months to pedestrians and foster connectivity.

Prior to this tender of works being released, consultation with affected CBD businesses and stakeholders has taken place, with works due to commence July 2021. 

Landscaping design has been strategically designed without reducing current available car parks within the CBD.

Construction is scheduled for completion in 2022.

River Activation Space tender:

Local business Ant Galactic Pty Ltd has been awarded the Construction of a Shade Structure River Activation Space and Associated Works tender for $780,000.

Located at the corner of Parsons St and Leichhardt Terrace. The activation space is strategically located to capitalise on the beauty of Lhere Mparntwe (the Todd River) outlook and provide cooling shade for enjoyment by a wide variety of locals and visitors alike in an area with good natural surveillance and close to amenities. 

The River Activation Space will be a pleasant place where workers and visitors may eat lunches, the public can sit outdoors during the day and be well-lit and visible at night.

The River Activation Space is located near public amenities such as toilets, emergency phones and water fountains will include:

• Shading whilst providing a view of the Lhere Mparntwe (the Todd River) and surrounding trees;
• Ample seating to accommodate a number of different groups;
• Cooling through the use of water misters and water bubbler;
• CCTV;
• USB charging point and free wifi during the day; and
• Will be well lit after dark. 

Construction is due for completion in late 2021.

Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler:

“Now more than ever we are delivering projects that will create jobs and long-term growth. The CBD Revitalisation project will turn the centre of Alice Springs into a greener, safer, cooler and more modern place.

“This is an important economic rebound project that will create jobs and ensures the long-term growth and liveability of Alice Springs.”

Quotes from the Minister for Central Australian Economic Reconstruction, Chansey Paech:

“The Territory Labor Government continues to invest in local projects that will attract visitors to our CBD, create jobs and boost the economy.

“Our vision is for a greener, safer and more modern Alice Springs that is fast becoming the Inland Capital of Australia.”