Richardson Park $7.1 million revitalisation now underway in Darwin

The $7.1 million revitalisation of Darwin’s Richardson Park is well underway with foundation works finished and civil components now 40% complete.

Richardson Park, also known as Harvey Norman Stadium, is a rectangular sporting field located in Darwin and was the former home of rugby league in the top end. The venue is situated close to Ludmilla Primary School and prior to commencement of its revitalisation, was closed and in a state of disrepair.

There were $20 million redevelopment plans for Richardson Park back in 2015 to make it a 10,700-capacity stadium, however the plans were abandoned due to public backlash. Instead, the new Territory Rugby League Stadium was built at Warren Park within the Marrara Sports Precinct which opened in May 2019.

The Northern Territory Government has now allocated $7.1 million to revitalise the park and build a new road access into Ludmilla Primary School, while preserving the sporting significance of the site.

NT Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler notes “Richardson Park is a significant community site that has long provided recreation opportunities for the community, and will continue to do so well into the future.

“The memorial for Warren “Shadow” Mount will be preserved during the works and reinstated to an appropriate area upon completion."

Being delivered over multiple stages, the redevelopment includes:

• a road extension of Richardson Drive to the Ludmilla School boundary, including carparks, driveways and pathways, which will improve access to the school for parents and students;

• reconstruction of the playing field, as well as landscaping including grassed areas;

• a serviced site for new ablutions and change room facilities, which will be constructed in a future works contract;

• earthworks and stormwater drainage, and

• services including electrical, water, sewer, telecommunications and CCTV cameras.

Additional community infrastructure will also be installed, including exercise and playground equipment.

A separate tender will also be released soon for ablutions block, change rooms, storage areas and associated undercover area.

All work on site is anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2023.

Image top: Concept plans for revitalised venue; image above: Richardson Park 2017 courtesy Recreational Refurbishment of Richardson Park Facebook