The Territory Labor Government has submitted a Development Application with the Development Consent Authority, seeking approval to construct the State Square Art Gallery.

As part of this Development Application the first public release of images of the proposed State Square Art Gallery are included. The DCA application which will be open for review and comment from Friday 25 June 2021 to early July 2021.

Local Territory architects Ashford Group Pty Ltd was awarded a Principal Design Consultant contract to design the iconic State Square Art Gallery.

The Territory Government will also shortly release an Early Contractor Involvement tender to construct the State Square Art Gallery and Central Heart, with construction scheduled to commence later this year.

The State Square Art Gallery forms part of the Territory’s commitment to the Darwin City Revitalisation. The 10-year City Deal plan was signed between the Australian Government, Northern Territory Government and City of Darwin, with the Northern Territory Government committing $100 million for infrastructure to facilitate increased visitation to the CBD by both residents and visitors to the NT.

The State Square Art Gallery will be located on the former Juror’s carpark adjacent to the Supreme Court on Smith Street.

Construction of the State Square Art Gallery is expected to be complete in late-2023.

The progression of the State Square Art Gallery is complemented by the demolition and greening of the former Chan Building, with the contractor set to complete grassing and minor landscaping of the area this week. In addition, a tender to deliver landscaping on the former 90 Bay Carpark was recently awarded to PTM Group for $1.9 million.

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

“The Territory Labor Government is keeping the ball rolling on the Civic and State Square redevelopment. We already see a difference in the liveliness and openness of Darwin City with the grass being laid on the Chan building site almost complete and the underground carpark in full use.

“The early contractor involvement tender for the State Square Art Gallery will be released soon, creating more local jobs for Territorians.

“Redeveloping Civic and State Square will provide more opportunities for local businesses to be involved and create local jobs in our community, while also creating a pipeline of work throughout the design, consultancy and construction stage.”

Quotes Attributed to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Chansey Paech:

“This project is part of the Territory Labor Government’s job creating Civic and State Square precinct revitalisation funded by the Darwin City Deal.

“This project will provide quality exhibition space to showcase our significant art and material culture collections, host Australian and international exhibitions, and deliver learning and participation opportunities for the community.

“Once built, it will encourage increased visitation to the Darwin CBD and an opportunity to become an iconic tourist destination - more people will come into the city, which means more customers for business and more jobs for locals.”

Quotes Attributed to the Member for Port Darwin and Minister for Small Business, Paul Kirby:

“Darwin is kicking some serious goals – epic street art, pop-up music venues, boutique gin distilleries, laneway restaurants, even a ferris wheel. Soon, we’ll have a world-class art gallery to add to that list of attractions.”

“This is huge for Territorians, and a massive win for small businesses in Darwin.”