We are committed to activating our city centre through the support and provision of projects in the arts, recreation, entertainment, tourism, business and technology sectors.
In the 2016-17 financial year, $500,000 was allocated to the CBD Activation Fund. A further $100,000 was allocated to activate the CBD in the 2017-2018 financial year.
We are working closely with a range of stakeholders, including the Northern Territory Government, Darwin City & Waterfront Retailers Association and private businesses to implement short term actions to activate our city.
Current projects
Upgrading the Mall Playground
- This 'pit-stop playground' is getting a make-over with some great new equipment in March 2018
- Works start Monday 19 March 2018
- For pictures and more information visit our Playground Upgrades page.
Darwin City Boutique Market
- We have supported Darwin City & Waterfront Retailers Association is putting on markets in The Mall.
- The next market in The Mall is on Friday 16 March 2018.
- The Darwin City Waterfront Retailers Association Facebook page has up to date information.
Darwin Street Art Festival
- We have partnered with the Northern Territory Government to bring a vibrant Street Art Festival to Darwin in October 2017.
Power Upgrade for Bicentennial Park Playspace
- The hugely popular Play Space has just had a power upgrade which means that food vans and events can now happen in this space.
The TechStars Start Up Weekend
- We have supported this initiative to help Darwin folk get their business ideas off the ground. Happening at the Darwin Innovation Hub !0-12 November 2017
City Deal
The Commonwealth and NT Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to develop a City Deal.
City Deals are a collaborative process between all three tiers of government to develop policies and investments which create future-ready cities.
The Darwin City Deal is a $100 million 10 year plan currently in planning which will address Darwin’s unique challenges and put our city on the path to economic prosperity and sustainable growth.
What are Darwin’s challenges?
Key challenges affecting the prosperity of Darwin include:
- Low population, competing activity centres and high commercial vacancies impacting on local businesses
- Urban heat impacting on liveability and walkability
- Problems attracting a skilled workforce impacting on economic performance
What’s the plan?
The draft vision to take Darwin into the future includes:
- Cooling and greening of the city centre
- A modern university campus in the heart of the city