Darwin Waterfront Corporation reveals plan for $250 million saltwater surf lagoon

The Northern Territory-owned Darwin Waterfront Corporation has revealed an ambitious plan for the precinct centred on the development of a saltwater surf wave lagoon.

The masterplan for the $250 million project also features 4000 metre² of additional aquatic space, 2.8 hectares of public parklands, adventure playgrounds, multipurpose spaces, hospitality facilities and the potential for an integrated resort-hotel.

The project, about half of which is shovel-ready pending funding, is being promoted as the potential catalyst for a new era of tourism, development and population growth in the Northern Territory’s capital city.

Darwin Waterfront Corporation (DWC) is seeking the backing through an extension of the Darwin City Deal, an historic agreement between three levels of government to revitalise the CBD with a new Charles Darwin University city campus as well as the redevelopment and "greening" of State Square to cater for outdoor events and festivals.

The waterfront vision is a major expansion and re-imagining of the existing precinct that currently includes a convention centre, aquatic and sporting facilities.

It involves a reimagining of the current lagoon spaces next to the Darwin Convention Centre with the  creation of new surfing lagoon, along with a snorkelling and diving lagoon featuring tropical fish and coral.

Concepts for the surf lagoon appear to show Surf Lakes International Pty Ltd’s technology as being used.

Commenting on the masterplan, Urban Development Institute of Australia NT Chief Executive, Catriona Tatam stated “large transformative concepts like this have the potential to literally change the face of our city, and change how both residents and tourists interact in the precinct and the city as a whole

“The economic flow-on effects of such a development would allow the NT to reap benefits for years to come.

“If the federal and territory governments are willing to financially back this project, it could be a game-changer for the vibrancy of Darwin.”

The design concept for the second stage of the Darwin waterfront precinct’s expansion has been two years in the making and started as a review of its existing aquatic facilities by Queensland-based Place Design Group and Liquid Blu.

Place Design Group Design Director Clint Wood said the project team’s vision was to “deliver an authentic world-class destination unlike anything else seen before in Australia, integrating meaningful cultural and learning experiences.

“We wanted to showcase the very best of the Northern Territory and capitalise on its outdoor tropical lifestyle, picturesque scenery, and cosmopolitan atmosphere.”

DWC General Manager, Sam Burke added “few opportunities exist to revolutionise the face of an Australian capital city in the way our masterplan can for Darwin.

“We’re basically doubling down on our existing investment to transform the precinct into something that will be nationally and globally competitive.

“Large parts of it are ready for early contractor involvement and it is more than 50% detail designed.

“If we can get funding, we want to be turning soil this year and we see the entire central precinct vision being completed within about four years.”

Burke said if the vision for the waterfront development was realised it would also unlock an additional 10 hectare of harbour-front land with the potential of attracting circa $1 billion worth of private investment.

Concept images courtesy of Darwin Waterfront Corporation.