Letter to residents and businesses about ECP site excavation works

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The main construction works for the Education and Community Precinct will soon be underway.

Dear Resident/Neighbour/Business,

This letter is to inform you that main construction works for the Education and Community Precinct (ECP) are set to begin shortly. The project is located on the site of the former carpark bounded by Cavenagh St and Woods St and Garramilla Boulevard.

The ECP project is being delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) in partnership with the Australian Government and the Northern Territory Government as a major component of the Darwin City Deal. City Deals are a partnership between governments and the community to work towards a shared vision for productive and livable cities.

The ECP will feature modern and flexible teaching and research facilities while also being home to an integrated CDU and Northern Territory Library, an art gallery and public open space.

The first phase of ECP construction will comprise excavation works on the site. Local firm DTA Contractors has been appointed to undertake this work.

The ECP project team would like to draw the attention of residents and neighbours to the approved construction working hours provided for in the project’s development permit. The approved hours are:

  • Monday to Saturday – 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Sundays & public holidays – 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Where required, trained traffic control staff will be provided to direct traffic.

We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. We will continue to stay in touch and update you of any key project events as the works progress.

The CDU team is excited to work with the community to deliver this new state-of-the-art education development that will serve the Darwin community for generations to come.

Yours faithfully,

The Education and Community Precinct Project Team

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Ground-works to commence on CDU’s city campus

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ECP ground breaking
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks and Senator for the Northern Territory, Dr Sam McMahon mark construction commencing on the Education and Community Precinct.

The transformation of Darwin’s city centre is officially underway with construction commencing today on the $250 million Education and Community Precinct with Charles Darwin University (CDU).

The precinct is the centerpiece of the Darwin City Deal and will include state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, an art gallery and a library.

The project will support hundreds of local jobs and has already ploughed financial stimulus into the NT economy through project contracts awarded to local companies.

NT business, DTA Contractors, will begin work on the precinct after winning the contract for site works and main building excavation, supporting up to 18 contractors working on site.

The precinct will create 350 on-site jobs and a further 380 jobs across the supply chain through to 2024, making it one of the biggest building projects undertaken in Darwin during recent times.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the start of construction activity means jobs and an economic boost for Darwin.

“Not only will this precinct provide invaluable education opportunities for generations, it will deliver economic benefits now and into the future for the NT,” Mr Tudge said.

“It will create unprecedented avenues for locals in the construction industry as well as architects and building engineers.”

Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Michael Gunner said this is just another part of our work to make sure the Territory bounces back strong after the coronavirus crisis.

“Getting major projects started as fast as possible allows for jobs to be created now, and for local businesses to be supported now,” Mr Gunner said.

Senator for the Northern Territory, Dr Sam McMahon said the City Deal was a joint initiative of the Australian and Northern Territory governments and the City of Darwin.

“The Australian Government’s decision to bring forward $74.8 million has enabled the excavation works to begin this year,” Senator McMahon said.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said the awarding of the contract and breaking ground was a significant step forward for the project.

“This is the culmination of several years of work in collaboration with our partners,” Professor Maddocks said.

“This facility will build on our ability to meet future student demands while offering a state-of-the-art Education and Community Precinct for the Darwin community to come together and share ideas.”

Professor Maddocks said CDU had worked with the Australian and Northern Territory Governments through the City Deal process to maximise the opportunities for local businesses.

DTA Contractors Managing Director David Divilly, said the excavation contract would provide work for about 18 people.

“This work means I can keep my staff numbers up. You need a flow of projects to maintain staff levels and this excavation job means we can keep the team together, which might have been hard without it,” Mr Divilly said.

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Excavation jobs for locals at CDU campus

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Excavation contract
DTA Contractors Site Engineer and CDU Civil Engineering Honours graduate, Mo Alsaleh with the DTA team about to start excavation for the Education and Community Precinct on Cavenagh Street. The precinct will create 350 on-site jobs and 380 jobs across the economy.

A Northern Territory company has been awarded the excavation contract for Darwin’s new Charles Darwin University campus.

The announcement means that construction of the $250 million Education and Community Precinct will soon kick off.

NT company DTA Contractors won the tender, worth approximately $2 million.

DTA contractors will be responsible for excavation of the building’s two-level basement on the Cavenagh Street site.

The centrepiece of the Darwin City Deal, the precinct will include state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities, while also housing an art gallery and library.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said sourcing local expertise was critical for the project and for the NT economy.

“Providing job opportunities to locals in the construction field, such as architects and building engineers, was a top priority,” Mr Tudge said.

“So far all the on-site works have been carried out by local businesses and more than 30 per cent of the design work has also been carried out by local firms.”

Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Michael Gunner said this was part of the Territory’s jobs-led recovery from the coronavirus crisis.

“This project will make 730 jobs available during construction and create an estimated 54 ongoing jobs every year. The excavation itself will see a peak of 18 contractors working on site, with all sub-contracts needing to be locally sourced,” Mr Gunner said.

“This facility is expected to boost the Darwin economy by $600 million over a 30-year period, keeping local businesses working and cash flowing in the community.”

Senator for the Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon said the project was on track.

“Excavation is expected to start in mid-October once the necessary approvals have been obtained,” Senator McMahon said.

“We expect the excavation will take about four months to complete once underway.”

CDU Acting Vice-Chancellor Meredith Parry said the Precinct secures CDU’s future.

“The precinct is an investment in creating the standard of facilities that make studying at CDU attractive to Territorians, students from other parts of Australia and from overseas,” Mrs Parry said.

“If CDU is to grow and continue to offer the chance for Territorians to pursue further education, and to realise the opportunities that this growth creates, CDU needs to be able to offer not only the teaching students require, but also the learning experience and facilities they expect.

“The new Precinct meets the needs of students who want to be able to work, learn and earn in one location. The new facility will also benefit part time students, many of whom work in the city, in juggling the demands of work and study.”

DTA will be required to manage the trees onsite and ensure compliance with the Tree Protection Plan and mandatory liaison with the dedicated site arborist.

DTA will also ensure waste is identified and disposed of in accordance with the relevant regulations and implement the necessary storm water and traffic management plans.

The City Deal is a joint initiative of the Australian and Northern Territory governments and the City of Darwin.