Nightcliff Village Laneway, part of the Nightcliff Village in City of Darwin’s Chan Ward, has received a significant refresh in the first stage of the Nightcliff Village Masterplan.
The rejuvenated laneway now features improved pedestrian access, new trees, improved concrete finishes and upgraded stormwater drains.
Artwork from artist Sina O’Keeffe is also featured on two waste storage screens around the Village. Future stages of the masterplan will see her designs extended onto footpaths, drainage grates, lighting frames, deck risers, concrete seats and back rests.
Ms O’Keefe was selected as the artist for this opportunity through an EOI process, with other applicants work currently featured on irrigation tanks throughout the municipality.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said this was the first step in creating a vibrant local centre that is a comfortable, engaging and inviting space.
“The focus of the Nightcliff Village Masterplan is to enhance the existing features of the Village beyond the market use,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“We want to activate the spaces, store frontages and laneways in the Village to make it a community hub that is vibrant through the week and at nighttime.
“We undertook significant community consultation in May 2023 to seek feedback from the community on the Nightcliff Village Masterplan.
“One of the common concerns raised was of anti-social behaviour in the area and we have increased passive surveillance and installed lighting in the laneway to activate the space and make it feel safer for everyone to use.
“The community also wanted to see the laneways revitalised, more shade and urban cooling, additional landscaping and more creative features, and these elements have been captured in the first stage of the Masterplan,” he said.
A portion of the project was funded through the Northern Territory Government’s Immediate Priority Grants Program, with the balance funded by City of Darwin’s Better Suburbs Program.
This project was championed by the Chan Ward Elected Members, including Councillor Peter Pangquee, Councillor Ed Smelt and Councillor Morgan Rickard.
The Better Suburbs Program projects aim to improve community infrastructure and beautify Darwin streets and suburbs, with funding allocated by Elected Members and the Lord Mayor.
The Nightcliff Village Masterplan aligns to City of Darwin’s strategic direction of ‘A capital city with best practice and sustainable Infrastructure’ and will assist in creating a cool, green and clean space for the enjoyment of the community.
