The Territory Labor Government is investing in Alice Springs, assigning major project status to the Alice Springs Hospital Staff Accommodation Project.

This $25 million private investment is developing a residential precinct within a defined area of the Alice Springs Central Business District, located between Todd Street and South Terrace.

Local company, Whittaker Street Developments (WSD) in conjunction with their project partner Centrecorp Aboriginal Investment Corporation Pty Ltd, was awarded the accommodation contract, which will see a new high-quality complex constructed and will help attract and retain professional health staff in Alice Springs.

These works will directly support 110 jobs during construction, and indirectly provide support for 465 jobs, with WSD targeting 90% local industry participation for the project.

The facility which is within a short walking distance from the Alice Springs Hospital will include:

• 40 x 1 bedroom units, 20 x 2 bedrooms units and 10 x 3 bedroom units;
• Off street parking;
• Swimming pool;
• Gymnasium;
• Roof top common area;
• Retail or other commercial space adjacent to Todd Street.

Central Australian Health Services (CAHS) will lease the units from the building owners with an initial lease period of 10-years, with an option to extend. 

This announcement is part of the NT Government’s Alice Springs Hospital Masterplan which also identifies a carpark as an essential piece of infrastructure for the Alice Springs community.

This facility will play a key role in the Territory Labor Governments broader vision of revitalising the Alice Springs CBD into a more vibrant and reinvigorated space for local and visitors to enjoy.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2020 and be completed in late 2021.

Quotes attributed to Chief Minister, Michael Gunner:

“The Territory Labor Government’s top priority is to create local jobs.

“This project will support more than 110 jobs during construction, while indirectly supporting 465 jobs.

“Major project status recognises the significance of the project to Alice Springs and the Territory, providing government assistance and mapping project related government approvals.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield:

“The residential accommodation precinct will help activate the Alice Springs CBD and is part of the Territory Labor Government’s vision to attract and retain highly skilled health practitioners to deliver health and health related services in Alice Springs.

“The new accommodation will also allow us to address the car park issue at the hospital and expand car parking. At times when families are under a lot of stress attending the hospital, more car park spaces will help to make the burden a little easier.

“Our Government is investing in Alice Springs to create long term benefits for the Alice Springs CBD and economy.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Namatjira, Chansey Paech:

“Today’s announcement is a huge step by the Territory Labor Government delivering for Centralians.

“Our health staff work very hard and it is important to attract more people to the profession here in Alice Springs, this is why the Territory Labor Government is investing in this job creating project.”

Quotes attributable to Michael Sitzler, Owner Whittaker Street Developments:

“We along with Centrecorp Aboriginal Investment Corporation Pty Ltd are absolutely delighted that the Alice Springs Health Accommodation Development has been granted Major Project Status by the Chief Minister.

“It emphasises the importance to the community of providing secure, modern and convenient accommodation for our health workers in Alice Springs, and using locals to provide it. As locals, we are focused on using locals and support businesses throughout the development and operational phase of this project.” 

Media contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192