Northern Territory Sites
DARWIN WATERFRONT Masterplan
introduction / overview / images / location / Projects
Landscape Architects: HASSELL
Location: Stokes Hill Wharf Road, Darwin , Northern Territory
Introduction
In 2003 The Darwin Cove Consortium, to which HASSELL was a key advisor and the master planer, was selected by the Northern Territory Government to undertake the redevelopment of a section of Darwin's waterfront. The site was located on a derelict, but historically important, former harbour front industrial port.
The vision for the new Darwin Waterfront was to transform the city’s redundant industrial port facility into a world class, mixed use urban community attracting local residents, business travellers and tourists alike. The Darwin Waterfront will evolve into a distinctive mixed use entertainment, cultural and waterside residential precinct, which will enhance the desirability of Darwin as a place to live and visit. Underpinning the success of the development is the Darwin Convention Centre. Collectively, the waterfront development will attract new business and visitors to the city while catering for the needs and aspirations of Darwin residents and Territorians alike.
The master plan extends the street pattern of the city bringing it to the water edge like ‘fingers’ in the harbour. The wharf like planning on the harbour edge refers to the historic uses of the site, whilst allowing wet and dry season breezes to pass deep into the site, creating ventilating ‘vortexes’ between the buildings. The site is connected by public access to the water edge, and is structured around a series of public spaces - most defined by public art. The master plan builds upon Darwin’s strong cultural heritage, incorporating the site’s historic headland landforms, re-establishing natural vegetation, and acknowledging indigenous associations and past uses.
The master plan is designed to be developed as a series of staged precincts, with each providing a defined identity as they are developed. The first precinct, focuses on public buildings and spaces including extensive new public parkland that provides safe year-round swimming with a wave lagoon, recreation and swimming lagoon, public beach, picnic areas, public promenades and public art. The Darwin Convention Centre will be the first of the community facilities to be completed, this combined with the other mixed-use buildings, including a Vibe & Medina Hotel and Wharf One Residential combine to provide the momentum to create the first stage of a new community.
introduction / overview / images / location / Projects
2010
