New development for Darwin's suburbs

The government hopes rezoning the 'Sports House' site, situated only five kilometres from Darwin’s CBD, will help address issues with property supply within the city.

“This government is determined to tackle this problem with a three-pronged attack through the release of greenfield sites, urban infill sites like Sports House and the direct sale of crown land,” acting minister for lands, planning and the environment John Elferink said.

The minister said the release of new medium-density housing would also put downward pressure on the high cost of housing in Darwin.

“Affordability of housing is the number one issue facing many Territorians, and the most effective way we can ease that pressure is by releasing residential land for development quickly, while also having a strategic plan for future development,” he said.

A publically competitive Request for Proposal process will be undertaken, with developers encouraged to put forward their vision for the site.

While some concerns about the rezoning were raised by community members, the government said these concerns could be addressed through best practice urban design principles.

The department said the decision to rezone was made due to the site’s close proximity to public open space, commercial development and public transport options.