Knuckey Street works commence
4 November 2009
The start of construction works on Darwin’s city revitalisation project will be marked today with the planting of the first tree in Knuckey Street.
The Member for Solomon Damian Hale, Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Delia Lawrie, and Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Galton will plant the first of 16 Syzigium armstrongii or White Apple Trees to be introduced in Knuckey Street as the first stage in the MY0800 city revitalisation project.
Deputy Lord Mayor, Helen Galton said that she was pleased that works were set to commence.
“The Knuckey Street works are valued at approximately $1.5 million which includes the introduction of lit tree build-outs and large shade trees, improved ground works and aesthetics of the Smith Street/Knuckey Street intersection, stone and timber seating along the street and a new upgraded footpath in front of Raintree Park.”
“We are creating a greener, vibrant city with improved pedestrian connections, better lighting, seating and shelter.”
Ms Lawrie said the Territory Government had provided $1.5 million for the Knuckey Street upgrade under its ‘Greening the Territory’ initiative.
“This is the first major project under ‘Greening the Territory’ which aims to revitalise corridors and restore greenery to areas of Darwin,” Ms Lawrie said.
“Knuckey Street is the key pedestrian cross street in Darwin’s central business district and links three main streets – Mitchell, Smith and Cavenagh streets,” Ms Lawrie said.
“It also provides a strong retail and pedestrian spine for locals and the many tourists that visit Darwin each year.
“Once completed this project will transform Knuckey Street with tropical foliage which will encourage pedestrians to stroll and window shop.”
Member for Solomon Damian Hale said he was pleased that the three levels of government were working together to give Darwin a city centre that residents and businesses can be proud of and enjoy beyond the current global economic recession.
The Knuckey Street works are part of the MY0800 $7 million project aimed at revitalising the economic growth, social and cultural development of Darwin city.
The revitalisation project is a joint funded initiative of the Australian Government, the Northern Territory Government, Darwin City Council and the private sector.
The Australian Government provided $3.6 million for the project from its $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program this is part of the Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan which is directly injecting money into local economies around Australia. Without this support the Darwin City Centre Revitalisation may not have been possible.
Media: The first tree will be planted in Knuckey Street outside the Mantra Pandanas, near the corner of Knuckey and Litchfield Street at 10am today.
Media welcome to attend.
Media Contact: Jeannette Button on 0407 727 080
