City of Darwin is inviting the community to help shape one of the city’s future landmark public spaces, with consultation now open on the new Civic Centre Community Plaza.
The six-week engagement period, running until Friday 28 August 2026, gives residents, businesses and visitors the opportunity to share their ideas on the facilities, features and amenities they would like to see in the plaza, which will connect the new Civic Centre to the heart of Darwin.
Once the new Civic Centre is completed in 2028, the existing Civic Centre building will be removed to make way for the new community plaza, creating a vibrant, welcoming space for people to gather, connect and participate in community and business activities.
Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the project presented a unique opportunity for the community to help shape an important civic space for future generations.
“The Civic Centre Community Plaza will become one of Darwin’s key public gathering places, and we want the community to tell us what will make it a space they are proud to use and enjoy,” Mr Styles said.
“Whether it’s somewhere to meet friends, attend events, relax in the shade or simply spend time in the city, this is an opportunity for the community to help influence the vision for the plaza,” he said.
At the heart of the future plaza is Galamarrma, the Tree of Knowledge, a place of deep cultural significance. City of Darwin is committed to protecting and celebrating the tree as a central feature of the design.
Community feedback will help shape the concept design, with ideas sought on how the space can:
- welcome everyone and be easy to access and enjoy
- bring people together and build civic pride
- connect naturally with the city around it
- provide opportunities for play, learning and interaction
- reflect Darwin’s unique tropical lifestyle
There are several ways for the community to get involved.
People can complete the online survey via Engage Darwin, pick up a hard copy survey from the Civic Centre or City of Darwin libraries, or visit one of the engagement locations being held across the consultation period.
The engagement team will also be attending community events including:
- Royal Darwin Show (23-25 July)
- Smith Street Mall (30 July)
- Parap Village Markets (8 August)
- Darwin Festival (14 August)
- Casuarina Square (16 August)
- Mindil Beach Sunset Markets (20 August)
- Malak Community Markets (22 August)
Interactive displays will also be available at the Civic Centre and City of Darwin libraries, where visitors can take part in the “Plaza Puzzle” activity and share what matters most to them.
