Construction has begun on a major component of the Alice Springs CBD Revitalisation project.

The Territory Government is investing $20 million in this project 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 three main works packages tendered separately, with expected construction to be completed in 2022. The projects will support more than 70 local jobs during the construction phase and more afterwards – including local businesses benefitting from the upgrades.

In June the Territory Labor Government awarded three major tenders for the Alice Springs CBD Revitalisation project including:

• Lighting upgrades;
• Cooling and landscaping initiatives; and
• River Activation Space.

Local contractor Ant Galactic Pty Ltd has begun construction of the River Activation Space.

The River Activation Space is located on the corner of Parsons Street and Leichhardt Terrace, and construction will deliver a large shaded space with good natural surveillance, shading and seating.

Located near public amenities such as toilets, emergency phones and water fountains the River Activation space will include:

• Shading whilst providing a view of the Lhere Mparntwe (the Todd River) and surrounding trees;
• Ample seating;
• Cooling through the use of water misters and separate water bubblers for people and for their dogs;
• USB charging point and free Wi-Fi during the day; and
• It will be well lit after dark. 

Construction is due for completion in late 2021.

Territory business McMahon Services Australia (NT) Pty Ltd has been awarded a contract for the Cooling Initiative, shade structures and landscaping in the CBD, and construction will commence in early September.

This project will see shade structures placed strategically around the Alice Springs CBD to assist in developing cooler pathways for pedestrians to walk and providing shade for people waiting for taxis. Shaded walkways will provide comfort to pedestrians as they walk through the CBD, including from carparks to shops. Trees will be planted to assist with cooling and shading. 

Territory business Aussie Mandias Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to provide lighting upgrades and additional CCTV within the CBD.  Additional lights and CCTV cameras will be installed to light up Billy Goat Hill, Trevor Reid Park, Stott Terrace Bridge, Leichhardt Terrace and Todd St (CCTV only). Works are scheduled to commence in September.

The first round of early works packages for the CBD Revitalisation were 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 streetlights upgraded to 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.

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

“Revitalising our cities and bolstering private investment is how this Government is cementing the Territory as the Comeback Capital of Australia.

“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 Australia Reconstruction, Chansey Paech:

“These Territory Labor Government’s initiatives are positive steps towards making the Alice Springs CBD a cooler, greener, safer place for locals and visitors alike. We have consulted with businesses and other stakeholders, such as the Alice Springs Town Council, that have helped to shape our vision to create a vibrant town centre.

“Our beautiful Red Centre gets incredibly hot during the summer months and that’s why we have developed these really cool plans to attract people into the CBD. A more dynamic town centre with modern facilities will be a huge boost to our businesses with more jobs for our locals and a healthier economy for Alice Springs.”