Mr SETTER - 1996-11-28
What plans does the government have for the former nurses' quarters near Northern Territory University on Lambell Terrace?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, members would be aware that, earlier this year, the government decided to reject an application for declaration of the former nurses' quarters on Lambell Terrace as a heritage site. That decision was taken on the basis that, notwithstanding that its construction includes some innovative features in climatically functional terms, the building has concrete cancer. It is in a condition that would require a great deal of money to restore it and then to maintain it. In that context, it is considered that the site would be more appropriately used for redevelopment. It is on one of the few major arterial roads into the central business district. It is in close proximity to Cullen Bay and the accommodation houses in the central business district. As a prime site forming part of the hospital/university precinct, it will provide an opportunity for further development, most likely in the tourism area, to advance the growth that we have been experiencing in Darwin over the last few years.
Prequalified tenders for demolition of the former nurses' quarters closed this week. I expect that the successful tenderer will be advised next week. Work will commence soon after to demolish the quarters and make the site available in the future for redevelopment. I anticipate that the cost of clearing the site will be in the order of $300 000. That cost will be recouped from the sale of the site when it is released by the government for redevelopment.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, members would be aware that, earlier this year, the government decided to reject an application for declaration of the former nurses' quarters on Lambell Terrace as a heritage site. That decision was taken on the basis that, notwithstanding that its construction includes some innovative features in climatically functional terms, the building has concrete cancer. It is in a condition that would require a great deal of money to restore it and then to maintain it. In that context, it is considered that the site would be more appropriately used for redevelopment. It is on one of the few major arterial roads into the central business district. It is in close proximity to Cullen Bay and the accommodation houses in the central business district. As a prime site forming part of the hospital/university precinct, it will provide an opportunity for further development, most likely in the tourism area, to advance the growth that we have been experiencing in Darwin over the last few years.
Prequalified tenders for demolition of the former nurses' quarters closed this week. I expect that the successful tenderer will be advised next week. Work will commence soon after to demolish the quarters and make the site available in the future for redevelopment. I anticipate that the cost of clearing the site will be in the order of $300 000. That cost will be recouped from the sale of the site when it is released by the government for redevelopment.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016