Labor’s $7m for skywalk

A SKYWALK is part of $7 million the Gunner Labor Government will contribute towards public infrastructure for the development of Landbridge’s $200 million waterfront luxury hotel.

Mr Gunner made the announcement from Washington where he met officials from the parent company Marriott International. The hotel will operate as a Westin.

“To support the revised plans, the NT Government will contribute an additional $7 million towards public infrastructure, including a skywalk which will connect the CBD to the waterfront,” Mr Gunner said.

“The skywalk will provide an additional connection from the waterfront into the CBD and will complement the State Square development announced as part of our $100 million city revitalisation package.

“It will create opportunities for locals and visitors to look out over Darwin Harbour and will incorporate displays which encapsulate the culture and heritage of the surrounding areas. Locals will also be able to enjoy a walkway which will provide uninterrupted public access along the foreshore, connecting Jervois Park to the Waterfront and on to Fort Hill Wharf.”

Mr Gunner said the luxury hotel development will boost the economy, be a drawcard for high-end business and leisure visitors and give Darwin a significant edge in the lucrative business conference market. Landbridge is still to gain Development Consent Authority approval for the project.

It was required to redesign the hotel after community objections regarding waterfront access. The new plans will be available at public information sessions on Saturday, March 3 and Monday, March 5.

Both sessions will be held at the Charles Darwin University Waterfront Campus.

The designs will also be available on Landbridge’s website from Monday, March 5.

If approved by the DCA construction will begin in the dry season this year, and be completed in 2020, with the hotel to open to guests in 2021.