NT - #UC: Darwin Waterfront Redevelopment [Archive]

Avatar

June 16th, 2004, 02:14 PM

Yesterdays header had some pics of Honolulu with its 40 story hi rises, I imagine that Darwin will in time be a similar city.In Adelaide we have problems with NIMBY people who complain about buildings that are not as high as the tree tops at Glenelg.Sorry if you think it irrelevent!.

Honolulu has beaches without crocodiles through, while darwin is not widely known for its beaches. I do think that one day Darwin will be alot bigger... I imagine it as more of a fort lauderdale with vast areas of canals.

Dilaz89

June 16th, 2004, 03:06 PM

if K.C. can build the WTB at 810m like the so called proposal says, then darwin can easily build tropica!:D

Macca-GC

June 28th, 2004, 01:26 PM

So true. If one hole can be planning to build a WTB, then surely another one can be developed with some 30 storey buildings and some canal estates.

Blend

June 28th, 2004, 05:01 PM

was it really nessacary to degrade KC and Darwin by calling them 'Holes'?.
You must remember that a) not TOO long ago Gold Coast was absolutely nothing, so you of all people shoudl know what a small town can transform to
and b) even if there was no hope of it ever growing, big buildings isnt all there is to a city.

Macca-GC

June 29th, 2004, 08:22 AM

obviously. But the Gold Coast has changed. It's not a hole any more. I'm not saying that Darwin will always be a hole, but it has to do something to get rid of that title.

Avatar

June 29th, 2004, 02:10 PM

if K.C. can build the WTB at 810m like the so called proposal says, then darwin can easily build tropica!:D

But can they really afford to pay me for the design? hmmm :colgate:

Dilaz89

June 30th, 2004, 07:31 AM

the developers might give you $5 for making an effort!:D
nah jj, i like ya design its very original and futuristic!

Avatar

June 30th, 2004, 12:13 PM

I'd like to live in the tropics for a while while they build it... with all the money I'd make I could retire with homes in Trump Tower - NYC, A pad on the peak HK and a waterfront mansion on the North Shore - Sydney. :)

I'm sure that $5 will go a long way to securing my future haha

Macca-GC

June 30th, 2004, 02:48 PM

It's nice, it's different, it's unusual.

But then again, anything would be an improvement for Darwin.

CULWULLA

August 24th, 2004, 04:34 AM

from mondays fin review>
After a 10 year wait a decision on the blueprint for redeveloping Darwins waterfront is expected in September!
With transcontinental railway in place and planned gas pipeline being built the final stage of the city ambitious infrastructure drive- the $600mil reconstruction of citys historic waterfront is about to begin!
The first stage will be $90mil 1500 seat convention centre and resi & commercial developments.Clearing the 25 hectare site which is 1.5km along wateffront has begun with some port tanks removed.
the project will take 10-15 years!

Blend

August 29th, 2004, 05:47 AM

nice. The city will undergo an amazing transformation form this. 10-15 years, wow!

Danubis

October 6th, 2004, 07:22 PM

Oriolus

October 7th, 2004, 01:18 PM

The masterplan Cul was talking about is out. Looks like big highrises on the right there.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/Waterfront.jpg

andy77aus

October 7th, 2004, 01:32 PM

That looks really cool it would do a alot for Darwin. I used to go fishing off those warves and catch travaley, mackeral and all sorts of other fish. It will certainly be a good fishing spot.

CULWULLA

October 7th, 2004, 01:48 PM

fantastic. look how high they are 20-30 storeys!! i wonder whats going to happen with the oil tanks behind? is area contaminated? the views and smells wont be too nice.
overall looks like a nice design

CULWULLA

October 7th, 2004, 02:08 PM

just looking at the pics of darwins buildings... have developers and architechs actually designed the new buildings any differently to accomadate for high winds in cyclones? i allways thought they should build all the buildings in darwin in a pyramid shape... being the strongest shape for structures
yes im sure post 75 there are requirements for stronger frames ect. maybe reinforced concrete would be a start. window panels would need to be set in powerful framing. roof would be tileless.

heres some picx of Cyclone Tracys devastation

i guess where not i kansas anymore toto.
http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ShowImage.asp?B=11424356&T=P&S=1

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ShowImage.asp?B=11190498&T=P&S=1

faaarK
http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ShowImage.asp?B=11190497&T=P&S=1

cars in pool at Travelodge
http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ShowImage.asp?B=11486545&T=P&S=1

The 10storey MLC and Travelodge seemed to stand up ok to cyclone
http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ShowImage.asp?B=11424385&T=P&S=1

Also T&G. i wonder the 6st uc coped. especially the crane?
http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ShowImage.asp?B=11424384&T=P&S=1

Gertzy

October 8th, 2004, 10:48 AM

That's what Townsville's Rail Yards Development is supposed to look like apparantly.

Avatar

October 8th, 2004, 05:09 PM

the masterplan look disgusting so lacking in vision and what is that crap oval turtle thing... grose!

Dilaz89

October 8th, 2004, 06:03 PM

don't judge it from that 1 crappy render.

Oriolus

October 9th, 2004, 03:18 AM

If you go to the web site at http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/ there is some more information. In particular this pdf
http://www.otd.nt.gov.au/dcm/otd/publications/major_projects/waterfront/Proposed%20Masterplan.pdf

The "crap oval turtle thing" is a convention and exhibition centre and I don't remember ever seeing any exhibition centres that look good from the air (Melbourne and Cairns come to mind as particularly bad ones) but that isn't what counts I suppose. Also included in stage 1 is swimming lagoon.

What I find weird is that sea wall fencing off most of the harbour - it must open because there appears to be marina berths inside.

Blend

October 9th, 2004, 04:25 PM

avatar. Eben tho ur giant skytower wasnt included u must admit it is a giant improvement.

Danubis

October 9th, 2004, 06:21 PM

Are they going to make a special area for luxury cruise ships? that seems to be the go everywhere at the moment?!

Avatar

October 10th, 2004, 10:26 AM

Nah i don't like the disjointed nature of their buildings and that oval thing is just grotesque. All the structures have no balance or direction, there is no focus it just like they grabbed some lego blocks and dropped them on a map.

Yes I will give a 5 YO a bunch of buildings and they can arrange something equally as disturbing i'd bet.

Danubis

November 17th, 2004, 12:48 PM

finn

June 14th, 2005, 05:18 AM

Some more news and renderings on this project:

Waterfront Go Ahead
The $1.1 Billion Darwin Waterfront and Convention Centre has been given the go ahead with financial close achieved on Monday 9 May.

Chief Minister, Clare Martin, said construction work on the Waterfront project would start immediately and provide a major boost for the local job market.

Ms Martin said Territory businesses will reap the major benefits from the project with approximately 1000 jobs created and an 85% local content component guaranteed in the project contracts.

"The Waterfront and Convention and Exhibition Centre is a visionary project that will create local jobs, drive economic growth and boost our great Territory lifestyle," she said.

The development will include three main elements and will be staged over 15 years. It will include:

The Darwin Convention and Exhibition Centre, with a 1500-seat capacity and 4000sq metres of exhibition space, Community facilities including seawall, wave pool, swimming areas, public promenade, parklands and picnic areas, Commercial developments, including a Medina hotel, harbour side cafes and restaurants and a staged residential development.

On this website you can review the draft plan and gain access to the news room , you can read about the history and heritage of the site or look at project details relating to the environment or the Darwin Convention & Exhibition Centre. You can even have your say by completing the on-line feedback form.

Draft masterplan - Stage 1:

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/dcm/otd/major_projects/waterfront/archive/maps/waterfront_announcement_final.gif

Masterplan with city view:

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/dcm/otd/major_projects/waterfront/archive/maps/masterplan_city_view.jpg

Convention Centre by day:

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/dcm/otd/major_projects/waterfront/archive/maps/conv_centre_by_day_medres.jpg

Convention Centre by night:

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/dcm/otd/major_projects/waterfront/archive/maps/conv_centre_by_night_medres.jpg

View from escarpment:

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/dcm/otd/major_projects/waterfront/archive/maps/conv_centre_view.jpg

Large masterplan model view - some big towers in there!! :D

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/dcm/otd/major_projects/waterfront/archive/maps/model_big.jpg

CULWULLA

June 14th, 2005, 06:16 AM

Darwin truly keeps amazing me. it really is taking off now. I noticed a few 25storey bldgs at the right. look at that sea wall? its a great idea to keep a "safe pool" near resorts. let it begin!
cheers finn!

nOchAos

October 8th, 2005, 05:11 AM

05 October 2005

CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON WATERFRONT

The first phase of building works has commenced today on the Darwin City Waterfront with nearly 500,000 cubic metres of landfill being brought into the development site.
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Chris Burns said today the landfill, which will be used to create the sea wall and a pad upon which the Darwin Convention and Exhibition Centre will be built, has been sourced from land being developed at East Arm. Dr Burns said this provides a double win for the Territory Government. “With land at East Arm to be levelled for future sale it was appropriate for us to source this material for the Darwin City Waterfront Project as this has delivered a significant saving to the NT Government,” said Dr Burns.
The pad, which will be located adjacent to where the old trams were situated at Stokes Hill Wharf, will be built upon an area which is currently mud flats. The mud will be removed from the area to provide a solid foundation for the building. He said trucks will work around the clock to bring in the huge quantity of fill. “More than 10,000 cubic metres will be brought into the site each day – which will equate to around eight truck movements an hour over a period of several months. “Whilst trucks will operate over a 24 hour period on weekdays, operating hours will be restricted on weekends and public holidays to minimise the disruption to motorists and local residents. “However, motorists may experience some delays so we ask everyone to be patient and exercise caution as there will be a significant increase in the amount of traffic along the truck route which includes Berrimah Road and Tiger Brennan Drive,” said Dr Burns.

Minister Burns said he welcomed news that two local companies have been awarded major haulage contracts for project. Macmahon NT has awarded the contracts to local haulage companies Gulf Transport and Wagners NT and both companies will employ extra drivers. Other Territory companies to benefit include Australian Fuel Distributors, ABS tyres and brakes, DAC
Enterprises for plant hire, Paul Lewis Electrical for electrical plant for crushers and screens, Corroboree Tavern for accommodation and meals, and Gulf Transport’s workshops in Coonawarra Road Winnellie where staff will do maintenance.

Stage 1 of the Darwin City Waterfront Project will be completed by 2008 and includes the Darwin Convention and Exhibition Centre, community leisure and recreational facilities and hotel, residential and commercial developments.

Woohoo Great new for Darwin!

CULWULLA

October 8th, 2005, 11:40 AM

^ excellent! good to see the Waterfront kicking along!

darwin will be amazing in next decade!

cheers

Gertzy

October 13th, 2005, 09:46 AM

I like the three glass highrises to the right of the convention centre (looking towards Darwin CBD), They commercial or residential.

nOchAos

April 23rd, 2006, 01:44 PM

The convention centre is now under construction and half the sea wall has been completed.

http://www.nt.gov.au/waterfront/images/waterfront/model_dcec.jpg

http://www.nt.gov.au/waterfront/images/waterfront/darwin_waterfront_lg.jpg

http://www.nt.gov.au/waterfront/images/waterfront/conv_centre_night.jpg

http://www.nt.gov.au/waterfront/images/waterfront/conv_centre_day.jpg

http://www.nt.gov.au/waterfront/images/waterfront/aerialview2.jpg

http://www.nt.gov.au/waterfront/about/images/DCECPadCompleteAerial17Feb06-LowRes_001.jpg

http://www.nt.gov.au/waterfront/about/images/DCECPadCompleteAerial17Feb06-2LowRes.jpg

http://www.nt.gov.au/waterfront/images/NTG0056DFA_000.JPG

http://www.nt.gov.au/waterfront/images/waterfront/construction3.jpg

Construction of Stage One of the $1.1 billion Darwin Waterfront and Convention Centre development is underway.

Convention Centre

The pad for the Darwin Convention and Exhibition Centre is complete and construction of the convention centre has commenced, with the first of more than 400 piles being put in place. Piling commenced in late March 2006 and will continue for approximately two months. The Plenary Hall sub-structure will be the first visible construction work at the site, followed by the Exhibition Hall a few months later.

Construction will continue for two years with completion of the convention centre targeted for the first quarter of 2008 to coincide with the completion of all Stage One works.

Sea Wall

Construction of the sea wall is also currently underway with a dredge removing marine mud to a depth of 14 metres and more than 360,000 cubic metres of fill and armour rock being placed to create the sea wall. The sea wall is scheduled for completion in September 2006.

Source (http://www.nt.gov.au/waterfront/about/index.html)

kota16

April 23rd, 2006, 06:08 PM

Fantastic . The Waterfront will be a wonder.

CULWULLA

April 24th, 2006, 01:59 AM

all i can say is fantastic! thanks nachos! brilliant.lots of planned highrise i see. convention centre is a f.a.b design.
i wonder what will become of oil tank site? contaminated? or ok for new redevelopment? if so ripe spot for highrise.
cheers

CULWULLA

April 24th, 2006, 04:37 AM

looks like stage 1 includes a 12storey apartment block. eventually there will be 4 in a row. thats not including the 20st+ towers further south.

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/4143/darwinwaterfronttower18tp.jpg

http://www.nt.gov.au/waterfront/images/waterfront/darwin_waterfront_lg.jpg

another tower
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/6984/darwinwaterfrontower8vt.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/Oriolus/Waterfront.jpg

heres the FAQ

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/waterfront/faqs/index.html#7

latest newsletter>

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/waterfront/news/newsletter/2006/newsletter20060331.pdf

nOchAos

August 5th, 2006, 07:37 AM

New pics and model photos. Moving along nicely.

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5598/ntgmay0197dfajj7.jpg

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/9614/ntgmay0193dfany3.jpg

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/7572/escarpmentlrg20060731si1.jpg

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/6/aerialstageone20060731hv1.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/4564/wavelagoonlrg20060731vu0.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/3460/aeriallrg20060731je9.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/1600/modellgwh8.jpg

CULWULLA

August 5th, 2006, 09:09 AM

great. going well.such a much needed project for darwin.
thanks

DEEP NORTH

November 28th, 2006, 01:53 PM

Darwin Convention Centre coming along nicely. It possible to get a feel for the size of the thing if you compare it to the white truck that's parked directly in front.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9486/dscf1597gv2.th.jpg (http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf1597gv2.jpg)

CULWULLA

November 28th, 2006, 01:57 PM

thanks champ.

dsfenasni

November 30th, 2006, 01:48 PM

wow, cool. Are the apartments to be built right away, or later down the track?

DEEP NORTH

November 30th, 2006, 02:47 PM

They've started on the ground "pad" for the apartments, so the construction of the actual building shouldn't be far off - because a lot of the development is being built on reclaimed mud flats the ground needs a fair bit of prepping before they can get started.

Everything in stage 1 of the development (convention centre, wave pool, hotel and apartments) is due for completion in 2008 - although by the look of things the convention centre will be finished way ahead of the rest.

On the upside, the demand for the stage 1 apartments was so strong that the developers are planning to bring forward stage 2 (how much forward they wouldn't say). A number of the stage 2 apartments have already been "reserved" by people who missed out in stage one.

CULWULLA

December 11th, 2006, 03:31 AM

the massive Sea Princess berthed at Fort Hill Wharf (june30)
pretty impressive sight
http://static.flickr.com/76/178826710_c48aeffca7_o.jpg

Avatar

December 13th, 2006, 03:06 PM

the massive Sea Princess berthed at Fort Hill Wharf (june30)
pretty impressive sight
http://static.flickr.com/76/178826710_c48aeffca7_o.jpg

That's the Star Princess, the Sea Princess is tiny.

CULWULLA

December 14th, 2006, 12:51 AM

oops typo

Avatar

December 14th, 2006, 02:10 AM

BTW that new exhibition centre looks like a beached turtle.

I am less than happy with what they are doing with the waterfront. I think they could have done so much better. IMO they are making it worse in some ways as it appears more cut-off from the city and buildings don't seem to exhibit any really progressive style or any semblance of order or structure. The should have been looking to what some cities overseas are doing to stimulate growth and interest. What would have been nice is a supertall of some description and a strong link between the water and cbd.

DEEP NORTH

December 14th, 2006, 03:34 AM

The "beached turtle" exhibition centre is actually supposed to represent a opening oyster shell, reflecting Darwin pearling history - maybe if you squint... As for the apartment buildings, they're supposed to reflect figer wharves like those in Sydney.

No go on any supertalls in Darwin, the CBD is too close to RAAF Darwin, so there are strict height controls (besides I don't think a supertall in a city the size of Darwin would be economically viable). The Evolution tower at 33 stories is as high as they're allowed to go.

As for the connection to the CBD, this was always going to be a tough one, but the planners did considered it. The model and photos don't show it very well, but Darwin is actually built on an escarpement and there is a decent cliff going down between the city and the waterfront redevelopment. They're overcoming this by building a sky walk and elevator, and then building a "memorial walk" to the main Smith Street Mall - although this might prove a bit of a hike for tourists not used to the heat!

However it turns out, it'll be a HUGE improvement on the abandoned factories and mud flats that were there before - and its a piece of much needed infrastructure for the city. Now if only we could get a decent department store.....

CULWULLA

December 14th, 2006, 03:56 AM

^yes .Evolution is at height limit of RL120m (sea level) .It sits up at RL21m, thus 99m above grd. If someone was to build a tower down near foreshore waterfront at RL3m, you could achieve a tower height of 117m or 40 residential floors! but it would still be equal with evolutions max Rl of 120m.

Avatar

December 14th, 2006, 08:12 AM

Well they can move the fecking RAAF base. Who plans our cities anyway? Too many dickheads khave allowed airports and bases to remain too close to our downtowns.

DEEP NORTH

December 14th, 2006, 09:06 AM

^^ I agree, this is particularly a problem in Darwin. If you have a look at a map you'll see the airport (which is joint RAAF / commercial) is literally right in the middle of the city - put there well before the city expanded to its current size. Not only does this restrict building heights in the CBD, but it effectively cuts Darwin in half and necessitates long drives around its perimetre just to commute through the city. Hopefully one day they'll relocate to a more appropriate site, there's certainly more than enough empty land for it. Unfortunately, considering the airport has just spent the last two years entirely renovating their terminal I don't think its going to be anytime soon.

nOchAos

January 19th, 2007, 11:52 AM

Update really moving ahead

Also check out the new website http://www.darwincitywaterfront.com.au/

Convention Centre Plenary UC
http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/3967/conventioncentreplenarygn4.jpg

Again
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1133/conventioncentreplenaryoe9.jpg

Stock piles notice the cruise liner in at the international cruise terminal
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/4884/stockpiles281206wj0.jpg

Stokes Hill Road Construction
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4143/stokeshillroadconstructty4.jpg

Wave lagoon piling
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/5439/wavelagoonpiling111206cu8.jpg

GMAC

January 19th, 2007, 06:16 PM

Nice updates!!!! 3 weeks and Im there again, Cant wait!!!

DEEP NORTH

February 25th, 2007, 02:24 PM

I think this project is ahead of schedule. The wet season has been a bit of let down this year, so there haven't been as many down days as would have been expected. Looks like the roof will be going up soon, you can see all of the supports resting against the back ready to go.

The second photo is of what will eventually be the front of the convention centre. I think its going to look great.

http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/DSCF1641.JPG
http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/DSCF1643.JPG

CULWULLA

February 26th, 2007, 01:07 AM

thanks

Avatar

February 28th, 2007, 02:38 PM

The should have just run the Star Princess aground, it would be almost as big as the CBD and at 16 or something floors not bad on the height either! :)

LanceDriver

March 28th, 2007, 04:55 AM

i really like this development. i'm looking forward to seeing it full steam ahead when i next visit darwin!

DEEP NORTH

March 29th, 2007, 12:48 PM

This is a great photo I've "borrowed" from the NT waterfront website. I like it because you can see the Pandanas development rising in the background, as well Darwin's current tallest The Marrakai in the distance. The convention centre's actually moved on a bit from this and they've begun to attach the roof! (and yes, that's the crane for Evolution on the far right)

http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/Aerialphoto13Mar07%5B1%5D.jpg

CULWULLA

March 29th, 2007, 02:45 PM

wow, thats great. been waiting a while to see skyline with new ones.
when they start to reach above 50m then they will stand out.
# far right is ch8 tv tower which at 72m has been tallest structure for years! until pandanas and evolution will surpass this year

Dilaz89

March 29th, 2007, 04:39 PM

whats that massive hole just behind the convention centre?

DEEP NORTH

March 29th, 2007, 11:55 PM

^^ That's going to be a wave pool - right in front of the convention centre! A croc-free stinger-free lagoon and beach with actual waves. What a great way to promote the Darwin lifestyle to tourists!

CULWULLA

March 30th, 2007, 12:18 AM

^what a fabulous idea!!!
"A croc-free stinger-free lagoon and beach with actual waves" is what we all want! lol
Darwin continues to impress

LanceDriver

March 30th, 2007, 01:12 AM

CULWULLA

March 30th, 2007, 02:20 AM

from website
http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/waterfront/about/images/aeriallrg20060731.jpg

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/waterfront/about/images/escarpmentlrg20060731.jpg

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/waterfront/about/images/aerialstageone20060731.jpg

wave lagoon

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/waterfront/about/images/wavelagoonlrg20060731.jpg

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/waterfront/about/images/waterfrontbydaylrg20060731.jpg

shaggers_jr

March 30th, 2007, 02:40 AM

I'm impressed, Darwin. But the original renders of the aprtamnet blocks seemed to be covered in wooden slats, like udner the eaves of the convention centre. What happened? Did that get abandoned?

shaggers_jr

March 30th, 2007, 02:42 AM

http://www.nt.gov.au/waterfront/images/waterfront/darwin_waterfront_lg.jpg

Like here.....

Neonxian

April 1st, 2007, 08:29 AM

It looks great and im really happy they're finally attempting to create a croc, jellyfish and shark free pool. I went to Northern Territory University for a year and we were always afraid to swim everywhere. Even in the pools of water that was left there when the tide went out.

CP Doom

April 2nd, 2007, 08:01 AM

Looks fantastic, very exotic. And so modern! Still have pics of 70's Darwin, what a dive. Cant wait for a comparison photo from the air once all this stuff is built. (inc the talls in the city grid)
Whats with the eastern side of the city, it looks like there's dirt washed up all along the shore.

Notice they never put fat people in renders.

DEEP NORTH

April 2nd, 2007, 11:07 AM

DEEP NORTH

April 2nd, 2007, 11:11 AM

i am really keen to get up there now! i like darwin, last time i was there i had a ball. the nightlife was great. about that hole, dilaz may have been thinking about the one i was wondering about. that's the hole behind the centre just to the left and above. it looks like it has a sheer drop in it, like a dirt cliff face and seems to be along the tree line. it's just to the left of the apartments you can see behind the centre. any idea?

Ah! The hole you refer to actually belongs to Arkaba House, a multi-story residential development to be built on the escarpement overlooking the waterfront development. Views to kill for. I think there are renderings of it hidden in the Darwin Projects thread.

DEEP NORTH

April 2nd, 2007, 11:14 AM

I'm impressed, Darwin. But the original renders of the aprtamnet blocks seemed to be covered in wooden slats, like udner the eaves of the convention centre. What happened? Did that get abandoned?

Wooden slates are gone from the final design. Here's some interesting news though about that project. Although stage was was 80% sold to locals, the developers (Toga Group) have received permission from the Foreign Investment Review Tribunal (I think I have that name correct) to sell 50% of stages 2 and 3 to overseas investors.

CP Doom

April 3rd, 2007, 01:08 AM

^^ I think the dirt you're referring to is Perkins Shipping ship yard. I quite like the fact that this waterfront project is actually retaining its links to commercial shipping - you can see the new port facilities from the wharf, plus the tugboats, customs ships and pearling luggers are regularly moored at the wharf itself. Its saves the whole project from becoming too sterile.

Cheers DEEP NORTH. I love seeing the ships in Melbourne, a working waterfront is so cool. It makes the city look bigger than it is.
I cannot emphasis how impressed I am with Darwin. Methinks a holiday is calling (after Adelaide as Ive already booked.....)

DEEP NORTH

April 15th, 2007, 08:41 AM

Some recent images of the convention centre with the commencement of roof work.

First from the side (not a very good shot, sorry)

http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/DSCF1657.JPG

A close up of the front

http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/DSCF1659.JPG

Last one from the escarpement above, with the port of Darwin in the background

http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/DSCF1661.JPG

nOchAos

April 16th, 2007, 04:42 AM

Really moving ahead now some more pics

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/waterfront/about/images/Aerialphoto13Mar07.JPG

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/waterfront/about/images/conventioncentreplenaryarea09.02.07.JPG

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/waterfront/about/images/ViewfromBridgeport09.02.07.JPG

dsfenasni

April 17th, 2007, 12:17 AM

good pics, lookin' good.

LanceDriver

April 17th, 2007, 02:30 AM

cranes galore!

Danubis

April 17th, 2007, 11:08 AM

great pics deep north!!

i dont think thats very funny hayds.

CULWULLA

April 17th, 2007, 04:51 PM

great pix.
nachaos-the skyline pic was posted a few weeks back (post 68)
.lets hope they update it monthly so we can also watch Pandanas and Evolution rise in background.

south

April 19th, 2007, 03:03 AM

Darwin's going to look so much better once this is finished.

right now i'm imagining standing at the front window of the convention center, looking out to sea... just perfect.

Pistol78

April 19th, 2007, 10:21 AM

This is a HOT development Darwin.

Muse

April 19th, 2007, 08:12 PM

Have a feeling the convention centre is going to be pretty good (as far as convention centres go). Hopefully such projects will assist Darwin to become more of a player in/around Asia.

south

April 20th, 2007, 02:56 AM

Have a feeling the convention centre is going to be pretty good (as far as convention centres go). Hopefully such projects will assist Darwin to become more of a player in/around Asia.

three cheers to that. i would love to see Darwin become Australia's gateway city to Asia. Are Tiger Airlines still going to have their HQ there? that can only help things.

DEEP NORTH

April 20th, 2007, 12:03 PM

^^ Realistically, Tiger won't put its headquarters in Darwin. The airport and the city are just too small and too remote from the major cities for that. But they do plan to hub their flights to Asia through Darwin, which will be almost as good - maybe even better if it gets more tourists or investors travelling through the city.

Danubis

April 22nd, 2007, 09:24 AM

DEEP NORTH

April 22nd, 2007, 10:06 AM

^^ Tiger Airways' Australian operation has been incorporated in the NT, but that was just for convenience because they fly in here from Singapore. The location for their HQ still hasn't been determined (unless I've missed something, which I doubt because that would be HUGE news for Darwin). Most of the smart money is on Melbourne or Brisbane for Tiger's Australian HQ.

Muse

April 23rd, 2007, 01:42 PM

Cute renders of & a little blurb on The Convention Centre from the web...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/Muse11/conventioncentre21.jpg__http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/Muse11/conventioncentre1.jpg

"Opening in mid 2008, the Darwin Convention Centre is the centerpiece of the $1.1 billion Darwin Waterfront project. With seating for up to 1500 delegates and 4000 square metres of exhibition space, the centre will bring international conferences truly within the reach of the local market."

Dilaz89

April 23rd, 2007, 01:59 PM

Eats the pcec times 100

LanceDriver

April 24th, 2007, 05:56 AM

i like clams!

Danubis

April 25th, 2007, 01:06 PM

reminds me of something i would see in new zealand... got a bit of islander/mauri influence ya?

LanceDriver

April 27th, 2007, 01:48 AM

i think it was designed to look like the huge sea clams found in the waters nearby.

DEEP NORTH

June 3rd, 2007, 09:03 AM

Thought I'd give a quick update to show this project is still moving along.

http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/DSCF1737.JPG

CULWULLA

June 4th, 2007, 01:07 PM

thanks. looks huge

LanceDriver

June 5th, 2007, 01:27 AM

how's the wave pool coming along?

DEEP NORTH

June 5th, 2007, 01:50 PM

Its hard to tell how the wave pool is going without accessing the site (which unfortunately I can't), but I flew over the development on the weekend coming in from Brisbane and it looked like the basic structure was dug out, but no concrete or anything has been laid.

matt_sbs

June 5th, 2007, 02:51 PM

I hope that doesnt turn out like the crappy Perth Convention Centre

DEEP NORTH

July 13th, 2007, 03:02 PM

Quick development status update from the website - the wave pool is the big hole in front of the convention centre:

http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/CCDAR2.jpg

CULWULLA

July 14th, 2007, 01:36 PM

looks excellent

Muse

July 14th, 2007, 06:30 PM

Thanks DEEP NORTH.

May I ask what the 5 large discs are in the green area behind the Convention Centre?

DEEP NORTH

July 15th, 2007, 03:47 AM

^^ They're fuel storage tanks for the Royal Australian Navy. All the other tanks that used to be in that area (BP and Shell) have now been moved out to the new East Arm Port and the NT Government asked the Navy to do the same, but its answer was a big No.

Anyway, you can't actually see these tanks from the Convention centre because they're hidden by the small ridge and trees you can see in the photo.

DEEP NORTH

July 15th, 2007, 03:59 AM

Also from the website - this is a good cut-away model of the finished convention centre:

http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/conventioncentre_cutawayrg.jpg

CULWULLA

July 15th, 2007, 09:26 AM

how good is that. perfect way of showing its use and layout

DEEP NORTH

July 26th, 2007, 01:19 PM

This project is really starting to look great, and even better, it looks like they are starting to pour the concrete for the wave pool!

From the website.....

From the outside, the massive wave pool is in front

http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/convention1.jpg

The convention centre foyer under construction

http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/convention2.jpg

A picture of the front, although I believe this will eventually have louvers covering the glass

http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/convention3.jpg

Danubis

July 26th, 2007, 02:29 PM

very impressive, especially considering the size of darwin!

Brisbaner21

August 2nd, 2007, 02:56 PM

No doubt impressive. Darwin will look even better 10 years down the road.

DEEP NORTH

September 22nd, 2007, 08:45 AM

The shell of the exhibition centre is nearing completion, and they have begun construction of the hotels and apartments

http://www.image-upload.net/files/6210/DSCF2060.JPG

nOchAos

September 24th, 2007, 03:59 AM

Construction Starts On Waterfront Hotels
Work has started on two hotels at the Darwin Waterfront – a 121-room Medina Apartment Hotel and a 120-room Vibe Hotel – with both scheduled to open in early 2009.

Chief Minister Clare Martin said the hotels will provide much-needed accommodation at the Waterfront to cater for the large number of delegates that will attend conventions there.

“The Darwin Convention Centre already has confirmed bookings for 13 conferences from 2008 to 2011 – most of which is new business for Darwin – which will bring 8 200 delegates for a total of 32 000 nights,” said Ms Martin.

“Although most delegates are likely to stay in Darwin’s existing hotels, it’s important that additional accommodation is available at the Waterfront to cater for the increase in demand for hotel rooms, in particular at peak times.

“Construction of the hotels has commenced and both are taking bookings from early 2009.

“The operators of the Darwin Convention Centre have advised that, accommodation has been confirmed for delegates attending conferences in the first seven months of the centre’s operation, prior to the opening of the new hotels.”

General Manager of Toga Constructions NT, David Cvirn, said construction of the hotels is expected to result in substantial contracts and more than 200 jobs for Territorians.

So far, contracts valued at around $135m have been awarded to Territorians during construction of the Darwin Waterfront.

CULWULLA

September 24th, 2007, 04:26 AM

a couple of weeks ago.
from website
http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/construction/images/NTG_DCW1288DFA.JPG

beach
http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/construction/images/NTG_DCW1298DFA.JPG

nOchAos

November 12th, 2007, 10:31 AM

Convention centre The convention centre is on schedule for completion in mid 2008. Dredging, earthworks, concrete slabs, structural steel and roof trusses are complete and the internal fitout is proceeding.

Beach Excavation of the beach for the boating lagoon has started and sand for the beach will be placed shortly.

Wave lagoon Excavation and piling for the wave lagoon is complete, the concrete pour has commenced and the fitting of wave generation and filtration equipment will follow.

Capital works Decontamination is underway and will continue throughout the development. Road works and power, water and stormwater services are near completion.

Multi-storey car park Piling is complete and the first concrete pour will take place shortly. The car park is on schedule for completion in mid 2008.

Cruise ship terminal Reclamation works are complete and construction will commence shortly.

Sea wall Dredging, earthworks and placement of armour rock is complete. The sea wall is scheduled for completion in late 2007, except for the lock which will be delivered by the private sector developer in Stage Two.

Hotels Piling is complete and concrete pours have commenced. The hotels are on schedule for completion in early 2009.

Residential/ mixed use buildings Basement excavation works are complete and piling has commenced. The residential/mixed use buildings are on schedule for completion in early 2009.

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/construction/images/NTG_DCW1520DFA.JPG

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/construction/images/NTG_DCW1519DFA.JPG

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/construction/images/NTG_DCW1521DFA.JPG

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/construction/images/NTG_DCW1529DFA.JPG

http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/construction/images/NTG_DCW1416DFA.JPG

Source (http://www.waterfront.nt.gov.au/construction/images2007.html)

CULWULLA

November 13th, 2007, 12:47 PM

great stuff

seanoff

December 15th, 2007, 03:38 PM

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa25/seanoff_2007/waterfront1512.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa25/seanoff_2007/ConventionCentre.jpg

15/12/07

CULWULLA

December 17th, 2007, 01:20 AM

thanks for updates

Mants

January 24th, 2008, 01:11 PM

this is a huge undertaking! i counted about 4 or 5 cranes on the site.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c67/C_Mants/last1.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c67/C_Mants/last.jpg

alexg

January 31st, 2008, 04:02 PM

thought I just put the bigger image of DCC interior here.

renders of the interior
the auditorium hall
http://www.3designarchitect.com/bigimage/bigimage5013.jpg
upper foyer
http://www.3designarchitect.com/bigimage/bigimage5014.jpg
entrance hall
http://www.3designarchitect.com/bigimage/bigimage5015.jpg

CULWULLA

February 14th, 2008, 12:41 AM

feb2 from flickr
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2226/2236982521_988489905a_b.jpg

wilkiebarkid

March 7th, 2008, 02:18 PM

Going to Darwin in July for a week's holiday. Will take a truck load of photos updating ever growing skyline and post to site.

SPQRSPQR

March 21st, 2008, 11:39 PM

Wooden slates are gone from the final design. Here's some interesting news though about that project. Although stage was was 80% sold to locals, the developers (Toga Group) have received permission from the Foreign Investment Review Tribunal (I think I have that name correct) to sell 50% of stages 2 and 3 to overseas investors.

The building was designed in Sydney by Hassell Architects. It had lots of exterior timber in the original design until someone pointed out that exterior timber exposed to weather rots quickly in the tropics and is high maintenance.

steve_nova

March 24th, 2008, 12:08 AM

And don't forget the termites!

Great to see the waterfront developments starting to take shape. Its going to be the place to be in the not to distant future.

finn

April 5th, 2008, 02:09 AM

A few phone pics taken on site about 10 days ago:

View looking back towards the escarpment - you can see the Pandanus and Evolution cranes in the background. You can also see the future beach on the right hand side (which was drained of water at this time). Hotels are progressing well (long 2/3 storey building along base of the escarpment):

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5889/img00163qr0.jpg

View looking across to the Convention Centre, which will open in a couple of months time:

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4/img00164uh2.jpg

Looking over the site from hotel construction:

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/3685/img00168gc6.jpg

And looking back towards Wharf One (residential towers) construction site. You can see the full extent of the drained beach in this pic:

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2271/img00172vl1.jpg

CULWULLA

April 6th, 2008, 04:54 AM

great thanks finn

LanceDriver

April 7th, 2008, 12:56 AM

so many cranes!

crawf

April 15th, 2008, 09:17 AM

Geez the weather looks bad then compared to now.

From yesterday, I am still amazed at the amount of construction. One of the guys from the display centre gave me a introduction into this exciting redevelopment - it does include a 30lv apartment building.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120476.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120477-1.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120479.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120482.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120485.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120494.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120487.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120495.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120499.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120498.jpg

Adelaide Convention Centre's Lil Sis ;)
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120497.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120496.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4130533.jpg

Wont be long before this is filled up.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120490.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4120492.jpg

Concept Plans (sorry about the quality)
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4130514.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4130516.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4130509.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/crawf_231/P4130520.jpg

finn

April 15th, 2008, 02:03 PM

^^Nice pics crawf! You must have met Don in the display centre. There are taller towers planned in a later stage, but at the moment we are focusing on "Wharf Two", which is the grey block buildings in the model - we are currently running a design competition for this stage with some really great submissions.

I've got a couple more pics from on-site last week with my crappy camera phone:

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/4978/img00187hu8.jpg

Wharf One progressing well:

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3364/img00191bn9.jpg

The beach (minus the water):

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/9081/img00194tv9.jpg

Hard at work on the multi-storey car park:

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1928/img00189cs1.jpg

And hotel building:

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7108/img00195ie6.jpg

The convention centre and wave pool under construction:

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7400/img00196dj2.jpg

Sunset from the display centre:

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/8775/img00197ab8.jpg

wilkiebarkid

April 17th, 2008, 12:48 PM

Shouldn't this thread be altered to Under Construction?? With more cranes than a Zambesi waterhole, I think it well underway!

finn

April 18th, 2008, 10:30 AM

Shouldn't this thread be altered to Under Construction?? With more cranes than a Zambesi waterhole, I think it well underway!

...and it's going to be under construction until approximately 2020 when we're scheduled to finally build out the site!

Gertzy

April 18th, 2008, 04:35 PM

Shouldn't this thread be altered to Under Construction?? With more cranes than a Zambesi waterhole, I think it well underway!

That sounds like a very good way to put it i suppose. Looks like they're now hard at work finishing off the reclaimation work.

Qbriserth

April 18th, 2008, 04:37 PM

2020, alas it looks like soo much is happening and it will be completed well b4 then.....^^:cheers:

finn

April 19th, 2008, 12:43 AM

2020, alas it looks like soo much is happening and it will be completed well b4 then.....^^:cheers:

The first stage will be completed by around April 2009 and that includes most of the main public components (parklands, wave pool, convention centre, sea wall, car park) as well as the two hotels, shops, restaurants and first stage of apartments. The Stage 1 area will form it's own precinct and is confined to a certain section of the overall site, so it won't feel as if there is anything missing there or left undeveloped.

The future stages will be on adjoining land along Kitchener Drive and around the base of Stokes Hill (this is where the taller towers will go) and will predominantly comprise: more apartments, more parklands, more public art, potentially more hotel accommodation (which will most likely include a backpackers hostel or two) a limited amount of retail and commercial space (depending on market demand) and a marina precinct.

When you consider that we have the allowance to build a total of up to 1440 apartments and the first stage only includes 138 apartments, and considering the limited size of the Darwin market (not to mention all the other apartment developments going on in the city), another 12 years of development doesn't seem all that long.

Qbriserth

April 20th, 2008, 04:54 PM

Found a site which has Aerial Photography of Darwin today, heaps and heaps of snaps of suburbs, the buildings etc in the cbd, the waterfront, natural landforms around Darwin. The link below will open up for a stack of photos taken as late as March 2008.

Many different angles, just click on a photo and it will become a bigger one in a new screen

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/AroundDarwin/AerialDarwinFlyaroundMarch2008

CULWULLA

April 21st, 2008, 12:38 PM

yes great find.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/AroundDarwin/R--GDnvb6WI/AAAAAAAADPI/UQuMkMAwmbg/DSC_5654.jpg?imgmax=512
looks impressive
http://lh4.ggpht.com/AroundDarwin/R--FoXvb6PI/AAAAAAAADOQ/bRWxfxIP0DY/DSC_5647.jpg?imgmax=512

http://lh4.ggpht.com/AroundDarwin/R--FoXvb6PI/AAAAAAAADOQ/bRWxfxIP0DY/DSC_5647.jpg

wilkiebarkid

April 22nd, 2008, 06:05 AM

More

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/DSC_5661.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/WharfPrecintariel02.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/WharfPrecintariel01-1.jpg

This project is going to be incredible to see when completed. Hope i'm still around!

ISTARI

April 23rd, 2008, 11:00 PM

This project is going to be incredible to see when completed. Hope i'm still around!

Why? are you living life in the fast lane or are you very old:lol:

wilkiebarkid

April 24th, 2008, 02:41 AM

Why? are you living life in the fast lane or are you very old:lol:

A bit of both really!!

SPQRSPQR

May 14th, 2008, 10:58 PM

I wonder how the new 36m rule is going to affect the proposed buildings on the waterfront? This is a government backed project so maybe they will make special concessions. That would be right; stuff all the private property owners that have been affected.

LanceDriver

May 15th, 2008, 03:06 AM

^ were any of the actual waterfront buildings going to be taller than 36m?

wilkiebarkid

May 15th, 2008, 05:16 AM

^ were any of the actual waterfront buildings going to be taller than 36m?

Most definately. On the eastern side of the development there are several planned.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/aeriallrg20060732.jpg

LanceDriver

May 15th, 2008, 12:25 PM

I see. That's a really bad outcome then.

wilkiebarkid

May 15th, 2008, 01:48 PM

I see. That's a really bad outcome then.

I'm not so sure.

Darwin has always had its own agenda and spririt. I would like to think that despite what this incumbent Planning Minister is trying to enforce, the Waterfront Precinct will happen as planned, and that, in the future there will be significant developments that will require special merit, or simply, approval outside of the existing planning covenants.

That's the Darwin I experienced for 13 years, and I hope someone like Delia Lawrie will not ruin it with her southern influenced fly-by night experts!.

finn

May 16th, 2008, 02:38 AM

I'm not so sure.

Darwin has always had its own agenda and spririt. I would like to think that despite what this incumbent Planning Minister is trying to enforce, the Waterfront Precinct will happen as planned, and that, in the future there will be significant developments that will require special merit, or simply, approval outside of the existing planning covenants.

That's the Darwin I experienced for 13 years, and I hope someone like Delia Lawrie will not ruin it with her southern influenced fly-by night experts!.

The Waterfront precinct already has its own approved masterplan and falls under a different authority to the rest of Darwin CBD, so building heights shouldn't changed from what was originally approved.

SPQRSPQR

May 16th, 2008, 11:54 PM

The Waterfront precinct already has its own approved masterplan and falls under a different authority to the rest of Darwin CBD, so building heights shouldn't changed from what was originally approved.

Yes there is a separate corporation established by the NT Government that is specifically excluded from being an arm of government. Therefore it does not benefit from being the "Crown in right of the Territory" (ie, it is subject to the government's other laws).

Clause 7 of the Darwin Waterfront Corporation Act states:

"7 Corporation not within shield of Crown

The Corporation:

(a) does not represent the Territory; and
(b) does not enjoy any privileges, rights or immunities of the Crown in right of the Territory; and
(c) is not within the shield of the Crown in right of the Territory."

Despite there being a masterplan, all buildings are therefore subject to planning approval. As these buildings haven't been designed yet, there cannot be planning approval as yet.

I think the government made a big blooper with the interim development control order. I think they will have to do something special for the waterfront project. I wonder what private developers will think of any special deals made for the Waterfront Corporation? Would that fly in the face of national competition policy (in respect of inefficient legislation or government competing with private enterprise)?

finn

May 17th, 2008, 03:39 AM

Yes there is a separate corporation established by the NT Government that is specifically excluded from being an arm of government. Therefore it does not benefit from being the "Crown in right of the Territory" (ie, it is subject to the government's other laws).

Clause 7 of the Darwin Waterfront Corporation Act states:

"7 Corporation not within shield of Crown

The Corporation:

(a) does not represent the Territory; and
(b) does not enjoy any privileges, rights or immunities of the Crown in right of the Territory; and
(c) is not within the shield of the Crown in right of the Territory."

Despite there being a masterplan, all buildings are therefore subject to planning approval. As these buildings haven't been designed yet, there cannot be planning approval as yet.

I think the government made a big blooper with the interim development control order. I think they will have to do something special for the waterfront project. I wonder what private developers will think of any special deals made for the Waterfront Corporation? Would that fly in the face of national competition policy (in respect of inefficient legislation or government competing with private enterprise)?

The Waterfront Precinct went through a fairly rigorous planning process to determine site specific controls across the site, including building footprints, heights and uses.

These controls are far more detailed than the general planning guidelines that cover the CBD and the Waterfront's final form in terms of each individual building has been broadly determined.

Agreements between the private sector and the government have been signed off on the basis of this masterplan, so it sits above the DCA guidelines in the hierarchy of controls for the site.

SPQRSPQR

May 17th, 2008, 04:38 AM

The Waterfront Precinct went through a fairly rigorous planning process to determine site specific controls across the site, including building footprints, heights and uses.

These controls are far more detailed than the general planning guidelines that cover the CBD and the Waterfront's final form in terms of each individual building has been broadly determined.

Agreements between the private sector and the government have been signed off on the basis of this masterplan, so it sits above the DCA guidelines in the hierarchy of controls for the site.

I disagree. The enabling Act clearly does not put the Waterfront project above Northern Territory law and therefore the Interim Development Control Order issued by the Minister to control building heights also applies to the Waterfront Project. Refer again to Clause 7 of the Act quoted above. Do you understand what it means not to have Crown privileges? It means you are "little people" like everyone else.

wilkiebarkid

May 19th, 2008, 05:57 AM

Some very recent progress at the Waterfront courtesy of BM7500 from Sensational Adelaide.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/Precinct4.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/Precinct3.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/Precinct2.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/Precinct1.jpg

wilkiebarkid

May 19th, 2008, 05:59 AM

^ were any of the actual waterfront buildings going to be taller than 36m?

Model showing eastern end of project and proposed talls.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/Wharfmodel.jpg

LanceDriver

May 21st, 2008, 11:56 AM

CULWULLA

May 21st, 2008, 01:39 PM

wow, convention centre looks great.
love those tallies along shore. must 30st?

SPQRSPQR

May 21st, 2008, 10:56 PM

^ i see. that will be a real shame if they get reduced. i'm not sure if i'd want to live next to those tanks though. does anyone know what the plans are for that area? they look like they are on a prime hill.

The tanks belong to the Department of Defence. They are part of the HMAS Coonawarra navy base establishment. The Navy have said they are not moving.

LanceDriver

May 22nd, 2008, 12:28 AM

^ well it is prime land that will no doubt become more and more valuable over the years until it reaches a point where the government couldn't refuse the offers. i wonder how contaminated the area is though.

crawf

May 22nd, 2008, 08:56 AM

I thought those tanks have been removed, unless I'm thinking of some other area in the city?

wilkiebarkid

May 22nd, 2008, 09:18 AM

I thought those tanks have been removed, unless I'm thinking of some other area in the city?

You're thinking of the "Tank Farm' along McMinn Street and around into Stuart Park along Duke Street. Now all gone and hopefully to be sensibly developed so as to enhance the CBD area.

Burden

May 22nd, 2008, 03:00 PM

Is this development near Darwin port by any chance? Or near any army facilities?

crawf

May 22nd, 2008, 05:17 PM

The whole project is the redevelopment of the port area, which includes a new cruise ship terminal

SPQRSPQR

May 22nd, 2008, 10:59 PM

Good news for the Darwin Wharf Project is that the height limits announced by the Minister do not apply as the Wharf area was not included in the control order. So, there will be lots of private property owners asking why is this so.

Both the Larrakeyah Army Barracks and the Coonawarra Naval Base are not very far from the Wharf project. The Navy refuelling above-ground tanks (there are 5 underground tunnel-tanks under the CBD that were built later) have been there since before WW2 and some of them took direct hits from the Japanese bombs (Oil everywhere!). Although a lot of the oil in the water came from the ships that were sunk. Many of the dead during the bombing were from being burnt by fuel oil.

I am looking forward to the soon to be released Baz Luhrmann movie "Australia" that apparently has the first bombing of Darwin (19 February 1942) at it's climax. It might give an idea of the contamination!

wilkiebarkid

May 23rd, 2008, 08:32 AM

Is this development near Darwin port by any chance? Or near any army facilities?

Darwin has a new port situated at East Arm, which is a fair way from the CBD.

The Wharf Precinct has more or less been handed over to tourism, recreation, residential, etc etc

The new port is also home to a new 'tank farm'

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/Newport.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/newtankfarm.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/newport3.jpg

Burden

May 23rd, 2008, 10:04 AM

Yeah congrats to Darwin on that, But its unlikely its will ever be built because Townsville had a pretty much exact same waterfront development in which it involved land reclamation, The plan had a 30st tower just like Darwin, but the whole residential side of the development was canned due to the Army having obligations due to the fact the believe the sight had terrorist potential which is pathetic I know, but IMO I can see the same thing happening to this development just like Townsville. In the end Townsville is getting a much larger Shipping terminal. Same thing will probably apply to Darwin.

Burden

May 23rd, 2008, 10:06 AM

Seeing as Darwin and Townsville are pretty much army capital's of Australia, I feel that the idea/development of the waterfront will be axed due to the similar circumstances that Townsville had.

crawf

May 23rd, 2008, 11:25 AM

Err, if you had a look at the photos you would see alot of the wharf area is well under construction with quite a fair bit of set to open sometime this year. Plus the shipping terminal has already been relocated to East Arm.

I highly doubt the 30 level apartment building will be axed because of it being a 'terrorist threat' especially when theres already 2 buildings already hovering around the 30 level/90m mark in the CBD and a few other 30lv/90m+ buildings proposed for Darwin plus it sounds a bit pathetic.

Burden

May 23rd, 2008, 01:09 PM

Yes I know its sounds pathetic, Gezzz I was only saying!

SPQRSPQR

May 23rd, 2008, 11:00 PM

I don't know about terrorism attacks but the Wharf Precinct is still used by the Oz Navy and visiting navy vessels (US, Thai, Singapore, French, Italian, Japanese, Indonesian, Indian - They come to refuel and to rest and recreate their crews). None of the Navy ships go to the new wharf. The Wharf Precinct is also used by approximately 20-30 cruise ships per annum, the Customs Service vessels, the NT Police, mega millionaires' yachts (Steve Jobs - Apple Computers), Paspaley Pearls, Survey Ships, and a plethora of other smaller vessels that would look out of place at the new commercial wharf.

Darwin is not an Army town. It has a lot of defence facilities for Army and Navy as well as a huge airforce base. There are also a lot of military "communications" facilities dotted around the periphery.

Burden

May 24th, 2008, 01:35 AM

^Well same as Townsville, Just thought Id post the comparisons to the two developments.

Qbriserth

May 24th, 2008, 04:25 AM

[QUOTE=wilkiebarkid;20998267]Darwin has a new port situated at East Arm, which is a fair way from the CBD.

The Wharf Precinct has more or less been handed over to tourism, recreation, residential, etc etc

The new port is also home to a new 'tank farm'

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/newtankfarm.jpg

QUOTE]

How far away from the CBD is this tank farm, it looks like 5-10km. Pandanus sticks out more so than Evolution, as it is almost lines up to the top or edge of that island on the otherside. (Relatively speaking)

wilkiebarkid

May 24th, 2008, 04:47 AM

The new port is also home to a new 'tank farm'

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/newtankfarm.jpg

How far away from the CBD is this tank farm, it looks like 5-10km. Pandanus sticks out more so than Evolution, as it is almost lines up to the top or edge of that island on the otherside. (Relatively speaking)

The 'tank farm' is probably about 20km by road from the CBD, however if you're a good swimmer it is probably somewhere between 5 and 10kms in a straight line across the water.

By the way the photo was taken in March with Pandanus already topped out and Evolution still some growing to do!

wilkiebarkid

May 26th, 2008, 04:06 AM

Just LOVE this photo.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/Aerialphoto13Mar075B15D.jpg

It needs to be updated with completed Pandanus, Evolution and twin Arkabas.

With all those added plus some completed works at the Waterfront, it will make a great photo.

Might get a Helicopter ride when I am there in July and try to take some photos from around this position.

Cheers

isoboy

May 26th, 2008, 06:56 AM

Good news for the Darwin Wharf Project is that the height limits announced by the Minister do not apply as the Wharf area was not included in the control order.
So, in other words: what Finn said.

SPQRSPQR

May 26th, 2008, 02:23 PM

So, in other words: what Finn said.

In effect but not really because the Waterfront has been excluded from the control order applicable to the rest of the CBD. If it had not been excluded, it could have been in trouble as I believe that none of the tall buildings have planning approval.

The question now is why has the waterfront development been excluded? On the face, it seems non-sensical to limit the heights of buildings in the core and periphery of the CBD but not limit heights at the very outer edge where the tall buildings are proposed for the waterfront project. It smells fishy to me; even if it might be the proximity of the sea.

seanoff

May 27th, 2008, 04:19 PM

In effect but not really because the Waterfront has been excluded from the control order applicable to the rest of the CBD. If it had not been excluded, it could have been in trouble as I believe that none of the tall buildings have planning approval.

The question now is why has the waterfront development been excluded? On the face, it seems non-sensical to limit the heights of buildings in the core and periphery of the CBD but not limit heights at the very outer edge where the tall buildings are proposed for the waterfront project. It smells fishy to me; even if it might be the proximity of the sea.

those immediately below the escarpment have already been restricted, esp Wharf1, the hotels and parking near the convention centre and the buildings near fort hill. (resident complaints, incl the administrator whose views they were never going to build out, got to get legislation signed)

The really tall buildings are at the old power station site behind Stokes Hill, they'll be 10 levels before anyone even sees them and they really aren't in anyones way down there.

finn

May 28th, 2008, 12:59 PM

In effect but not really because the Waterfront has been excluded from the control order applicable to the rest of the CBD. If it had not been excluded, it could have been in trouble as I believe that none of the tall buildings have planning approval.

The question now is why has the waterfront development been excluded? On the face, it seems non-sensical to limit the heights of buildings in the core and periphery of the CBD but not limit heights at the very outer edge where the tall buildings are proposed for the waterfront project. It smells fishy to me; even if it might be the proximity of the sea.

As seanoff mentioned there are actually much stricter height controls at the Waterfront than in the CBD - even after the new Interim Development Order.

Some buildings at the Waterfront are limited to only 25m high - and that limit includes every element i.e. lift overruns and roof pitch. We've even had to get a special height exemption to put a lightning sphere on the Wharf One buildings.

If the Waterfront was to be included under the new Interim Development Order then you'd have to assume that it was under the same height controls as the CBD in the first place - but it never has been.

SPQRSPQR

May 28th, 2008, 11:13 PM

If the Waterfront was to be included under the new Interim Development Order then you'd have to assume that it was under the same height controls as the CBD in the first place - but it never has been.

Thanks for that. What law/instrument/agreement sets the height controls for the wharf precinct? Is it available to the public?

finn

May 29th, 2008, 03:01 AM

Thanks for that. What law/instrument/agreement sets the height controls for the wharf precinct? Is it available to the public?

Yes, it is within Part 8 of the NT Planning Scheme.

CULWULLA

May 29th, 2008, 03:46 AM

The new port is also home to a new 'tank farm'

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/newtankfarm.jpg

The 'tank farm' is probably about 20km by road from the CBD, however if you're a good swimmer it is probably somewhere between 5 and 10kms in a straight line across the water.

By the way the photo was taken in March with Pandanus already topped out and Evolution still some growing to do!
its exactly5km is straight line. it would take me about 90mins to swim.lol

SPQRSPQR

May 29th, 2008, 03:40 PM

its exactly5km is straight line. it would take me about 90mins to swim.lol

Plenty of time for the crocs to eat you!

wilkiebarkid

June 15th, 2008, 03:39 AM

From this weeks Business Territory newsletter

CONVENTION
CENTRE TO OPEN

THE TERRITORY GOVERNMENT is hosting a five-day
community celebration next week to mark the official
opening of the Convention Centre.

“Twenty-three conventions and exhibitions have already
been booked at the Centre for its first year of business,
marking the start of a new era in Darwin’s economy,” said
Chief Minister Paul Henderson.

“The 11000 delegates and their partners and families who
will come with them are just the start of what will be an
important driver of opportunities for small business and
the tourism industry.”

The construction phase created hundreds of jobs on site.

About 95% of contracts, or $90 million of work, went to
local companies, and another 180 jobs will be created at
the Centre during the next four years.

CULWULLA

June 17th, 2008, 03:38 PM

great news

wilkiebarkid

July 17th, 2008, 01:31 PM

This development is very much a staged project. The first stage is the Convention Centre (now completed and receiving heavy bookings), followed by two hotels, some apartments and a highrise carpark.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/darwinnow014.jpg

The Convention Centre

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/darwinnow0032.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/darwinnow0042.jpg

The foreground buildings are hotels and apartments. One of the hotels is expected to be managed by the Medina chain.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/darwinnow0152.jpg

finn

July 18th, 2008, 01:35 PM

The foreground buildings are hotels and apartments. One of the hotels is expected to be managed by the Medina chain.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/darwinnow0152.jpg

Both of the hotels will be Toga Group hotels - Medina serviced apartments and a Vibe Hotel. Toga have the development rights for all of the Darwin Waterfront project going forward, which includes up to 1,440 apartments, some retail and commercial space, marina, parklands etc.

wilkiebarkid

July 21st, 2008, 07:08 AM

Both of the hotels will be Toga Group hotels - Medina serviced apartments and a Vibe Hotel. Toga have the development rights for all of the Darwin Waterfront project going forward, which includes up to 1,440 apartments, some retail and commercial space, marina, parklands etc.

Thanks for the info finn

A shot of the cruise ship terminal from a distance.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/FRIDAY015.jpg

Danubis

July 21st, 2008, 09:20 AM

cool^^ i didnt realise they were building a 'terminal' as such, thought it was just a marina... so does that mean it has customs facilities and what not?

cristobal_underscore

July 21st, 2008, 11:26 AM

Shite, Darwin really is in a building boom (I hate that term)

crawf

August 1st, 2008, 06:55 PM

This is just disgusting, it better get redesigned

A walk on the ugly side
http://www.ntnews.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/08/02/3_Walkway.jpg
BEN LANGFORD

August 2nd, 2008

DARWIN will have a new contender for ugliest building if the Smith St walkway is built, critics say.
The walkway, linking the Mall to the Waterfront project, was called "extraordinarily ugly'' and "embarrassing' by Darwin alderman Heather Sjoberg.

"I thought it was one of the ugliest things I've seen,'' she said.

"It reminds me of the shelter shed I used to have at primary school in the 1950s.''

The shaded walkway features curved poles, meant to represent pandanus fronds, and will have panels with historical information and public artwork.

It will cut a stark green slice though Darwin's civic precinct -- between Parliament House on one side and the Supreme Court and City Council offices on the other.

It will cost several million dollars, with Planning and Lands Minister Delia Lawrie admitting the cost had blown out by "quite a few million''.

Ald Sjoberg said it was "a very dated style''.

"I'm not an architect but I know what looks good,'' she said.

"I've done a lot of travelling -- it's very disappointing to come back to Darwin and be served up that kind of stuff.''

Lord Mayor Graeme Sawyer and Darwin City Council chief executive Allan McGill said they were only shown the designs two days before the Government announced the project.

Ms Lawrie defended the process that created the walkway -- but not its design.

"A range of stakeholders have contributed to the design of the walkway over the past few years,'' she said.

"There has been broad consultation, which has included the council.

"The Department of Planning and Infrastructure met with the council prior to announcing the new walkway to show them the design.''

Alderman John Bailey, a former Labor MLA, said this was not the same as having input.

Mr McGill said he was not certain who would be responsible for the walkway once it was built.

Source - NT News

SPQRSPQR

August 14th, 2008, 02:10 PM

It's that yukky green colour that was in fashion ten years ago in Sydney and Melbourne. And it would provide no shelter whatsoever in a tropical downpour when the rain comes in sideways. Probably designed by someone in Sydney who's never seen real rain.

wilkiebarkid

September 8th, 2008, 06:12 AM

Some recent photos from the escarpment.

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/DSC01800.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/DSC01801.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/DSC01802.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/DSC01803.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/DSC01804.jpg

Not far off completing first hotel/apartment buildings in first stage. At least the rooves will be on for the wet season!!

Danubis

September 10th, 2008, 04:04 PM

wilkiebarkid

September 11th, 2008, 01:54 AM

^^ wish they had some more open landscaped/parkland/southbankish stuff around the new beach there... the beach there is going to be hugely popular, but theres not much space for people spread out and sit round and watch the kids, picnic ect.

There will be plenty of space, check out the renders

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/Wharf2.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/wilkiebarkid/Wharf1.jpg

crawf

September 11th, 2008, 09:27 AM

Looking good!

Btw looking at those photos, looks like the wet season isn't far away

Jesse24

September 13th, 2008, 11:16 AM

Yes it feels like it won't be to far away in Cairns, off to a early start. I presume the same is for Darwin.

crawf

September 13th, 2008, 04:34 PM

crawf

September 13th, 2008, 04:34 PM

wilkiebarkid

September 14th, 2008, 02:04 AM

A stutter, perhaps?

Skeletor

September 29th, 2008, 05:54 PM

Well when I was there back in April, the local media were saying it was the earliest start to the dry season in about 30 years or something.

So I guess its not surprising the wet is going to start early this year

Nah an early start to the dry certainly doesn't mean an early start to the wet. SST's are governing that, basically atm everything is running as per normal, tho we just finished the worst dry on record with 167 consecutive days without rain being recorded, you can view that from our media release on the BoM website.

seanoff

November 18th, 2008, 04:06 AM

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa25/seanoff_2007/wharf1gardensbeach1811.jpg

Looking across the beach/gardens to Wharf1 from the convention centre. They need to get the grass laid here real soon otherwise the fill and the topsoil will be washed into the water.

The wave pool and the beach are supposed to be open in feb. I'd expect Vibe etc and the carpark to open at the same time and possibly the walkway as well.

The rooms in the hotels are basically complete, need furniture but all the joinery etc is in. Need to work on the lobbies etc

will try and get a photo of the carpark finish, which is fairly out there. there is only one panel atm.

LanceDriver

November 18th, 2008, 04:24 AM

looks like a great additional precinct for darwin!

SPQRSPQR

December 2nd, 2008, 02:56 PM

Does anyone know the real story about TOGA?

finn

December 2nd, 2008, 04:59 PM

Does anyone know the real story about TOGA?

:dunno: What do you mean?

SPQRSPQR

December 7th, 2008, 07:06 AM

Sorry finn, I am not going to repeat rumours here. I was just asking if someone knew the truth.

Skyline Art

December 7th, 2008, 03:38 PM

^^ What about TOGA?
Are they dodgy or something?

Toga Hospitality began operations in 1982 and currently operates 46 strategically located hotels across Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Rockhampton, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Palmerston North, Wellington, Berlin, Budapest and Copenhagen. Toga Hospitality is committed to providing you with the highest quality of accommodation and service, with a focus on consistently providing comfortable guest rooms in great locations. www.togahotels.com.au

http://www.adina.eu/default.asp?page=/about+adina/company+profile

LanceDriver

December 7th, 2008, 11:18 PM

Sorry finn, I am not going to repeat rumours here. I was just asking if someone knew the truth.

now that was all a bit silly then...

finn

December 8th, 2008, 07:29 AM

now that was all a bit silly then...

My sentiments exactly.

isoboy

December 8th, 2008, 01:48 PM

Sorry finn, I am not going to repeat rumours here. I was just asking if someone knew the truth.
The words 'lame' and 'childish' come to mind for some reason...

Danubis

December 9th, 2008, 01:00 PM

the words 'just go out and take a bloody picture' come to mind too...

Skyline Art

December 9th, 2008, 03:31 PM

:lol: A post on Nov 18th was the last picture update ^^ I guess your hinting someone should go out and provide an update photo :lol:

seanoff

December 11th, 2008, 02:19 AM

the walkway returns and it sounds worse. the picture is very blurry (on purpose i presume - to hide the unabating ugliness)

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2008/12/11/21151_ntnews.html

Redesigned walkway still looks the same

BEN LANGFORD

December 11th, 2008

THE walkway between Darwin's Smith St Mall and the waterfront has been redesigned - but some onlookers say it looks a lot like the original.

The mainly-steel walkway will be painted green and is said by designers to resemble pandanus trees.

Darwin City Council members had been highly critical of the walkway, with Alderman Heather Sjoberg saying it was an "embarrassment".

There were also eyebrows raised when the original artists' impressions featured people wearing long pants and woollen jumpers, but the people in the new designs are mostly dressed in shorts and T-shirts.

Planning Department designer Ken Hawkins showed the revised plans to the council yesterday.

"We've been able to reduce the columns ... and make it more elegant," he said.

A revision of the plans was ordered with an emphasis on reducing the amount of steel structure.

Shade cloth will be used for the roof instead of steel, *seanoff(which will be replaced at least every 2 yrs following a large storm or cyclone which will rip to shreds) with glass sections to provide small spaces to shelter from storms.

But while the plans are an improvement on what one Northern Territory News reader called a "monstrosity", a similar basic shape remains. While the poles will be further apart, the design is set to be busier, with poles made from different materials to match the historic information signs attached.

A wooden finish will be used for the pole marking Darwin's Chinese heritage, mother-of-pearl for the pearling industry pole, etched steel for the Bombing of Darwin pole, porcelinite stone for a historical pole, and aluminium for other poles in between.

Some of them will glow at night. :ohno::bash:

Planning Minister Delia Lawrie has said the walkway would cost more than $4 million.

Most council members at yesterday's special meeting said the new version of the walkway was better than the original.

The Planning Department intends to start construction in January.http://www.ntnews.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2008/12/10/5_walkway.jpg

crawf

December 11th, 2008, 09:35 AM

Not Happy Jan

SPQRSPQR

December 16th, 2008, 03:39 PM

LanceDriver

December 16th, 2008, 11:37 PM

^ see, if you'd said that in the first place i would have known what your context was, and i had no idea about any of that.

finn

December 17th, 2008, 08:31 AM

Sorry for the confusion, but I just wanted to know why the Waterfront Project seems to get such unparalleled and ever increasing contributions from the NT Government. Last year, taxpayers had to contribute $140M. Suddenly two months ago it became $280M. What is the truth? Is there a secret agreement in place that requires the NT Government to guarantee the financial viability of the project? Remember, no Territory Taxpayer has ever been allowed to see the details of the so called "commercial-in-confidence" agreement between the NT Government and the developer of the Waterfront. What is the truth? Those in this thread that defend any aspersions cast on the project must surely be employees of either the NT Government or the developer. Spill the beans. What is the truth? Are tax payers being taken to the cleaners? Why have other CBD property owners been actively disadvantaged by the NT Government?

The private developer is only responsible for the elements of the precinct that they are building - this is the hotels/shops/residential apartments/offices.

The NT Government is responsible for all the elements that they will own and operate - this includes the wave pool, multi-storey car park, parklands, walkways, canopies, seawall, road improvements, pedestrian bridge from Smith St, observation lifts from Smith St bridge, public art contributions (the private developers also contribute to this) etc. I'm pretty sure the NT Government own the convention centre as wel, although AEG Ogden operate it, so that would be another big funding requirement.

So the abovementioned sums of money are not "contributions", they are the cost of building public facilities for the benefit of the community.