Darwin’s $20 million State Square Underground Car Park CBD is now officially complete and open to the public.
The car park holds 450 car parking spaces, including six electric vehicle charging stations, bike rack facilities and a cyclone shelter. It also includes solar panels on the entryway to offset electricity costs used by the car park.
Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler, said, “Our city centre is on its way to becoming a tropical, green, cool and shaded oasis that will provide a spacious place for events, festivals, gatherings and displays.
“We’re getting cars out of the sun and into the shade. It will mean more visitors to the CBD, more customers for small businesses and more jobs for locals.
The project was built by local Northern Territory company Tomazos Group, which has supported more than 280 local jobs.
Around 300 existing heat-generating surface car parks will be relocated underground to allow for the next stage of the State Square Masterplan Redevelopment.
The State Square overhaul is a critical part of the historic $200 million Darwin City Deal, delivered in partnership with the City of Darwin and the Federal Government. Work on the Masterplan Redevelopment is continuing with the Chan Building demolition tender currently out to market.
Acting Lord Mayor of Darwin, George Lambrinidis, said, “We are focused on creating a city that represents our shared history and cultures, is liveable and vibrant.
“This project will attract people to the city centre, providing convenience for commuters and an attractive greenspace for visitors to the CBD.”
The landscaping above the car park has also started, which will see native trees and plants like the Boab, Ghost Gums, Weeping Tea Trees, and Mataranka Fan Palms included because of their tolerance to local NT weather conditions. Work is expected to be completed mid-2020.
Existing precinct car park users will transition into the new facility in the coming weeks.
For more information on the operation of the car park, click here.
