The Territory Labor Government has today released a tender to further revitalise Austin Lane as part of the historic $200 million Cities Deal.

This job-creating development - the Austin Lane Streetscape Project – will help transform Darwin CBD into a more pedestrian-friendly space, focusing on creating cooling spaces between buildings.

Working in partnership with the City of Darwin, the Government’s vision is to enhance Smith Street Mall, Rain Tree Park and Knuckey Street by creating inviting and engaging experiences for visitors and locals moving through Austin Lane to these destinations.

This work will focus on the walkways between Cavenagh Street and The Mall and will include the installation of new tree plantings, two new covered walkways to cool the area, while also installing seating and upgraded kerbing to make it more pedestrian-friendly.

Austin Lane has already proven to be an exciting space for showcasing local artwork, with several spectacular street murals unveiled in the lane as part of the Darwin Street Art Festival.

The project will further enhance the area and is part of the Government’s wider vision for a cooler CBD, which includes the Cavenagh Street heat mitigation projects.

Works for the Austin Lane project are expected start in June 2019, and be completed by the end of 2019.

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

“This is about creating jobs and activating the CBD to drive more foot traffic through our streets and into our businesses.

 “The project is one of a number of developments in the CBD which will create many more jobs and revitalise this city.

 “This is another exciting project released as part of the Cities Deal and will build Darwin’s reputation as a tropical, world-renowned destination, attracting new residents and creating jobs.

 “Enhancing the area and reducing the impact of heat on those who live, work in and visit the CBD will encourage more people to patronize the area, opening the space and creating further opportunities to deliver greater economic and social benefits in the city.”

Media contact: Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689.