Earthworks have started on the Puma Energy service station on the corner of the Stuart Highway and Bicentennial Road, near the cultural centre.

Plans for the service station including a cafe with seating for 28 people.

There will be six toilets, a truckers lounge area with seating, laundry and showers.

Puma’s original development proposal wanted three long vehicle parking bays but the new proposal calls for five 53m long bays and an extra four bays for road trains.

“The addition of a rest stop with dining area and shower facilities along the Stuart Highway in Katherine will contribute positively to road safety in the Northern Territory and will help drives manage fatigue,” planning documents state.

“The service station will also provide for the needs of local Katherine residents, as well as other travellers along the Stuart Highway.”

The WA-based Mitie Construction won the contract to build the big new station.

Mitie Construction managing director Paul Carter said he was delighted to announce its appointment as builder of the project.

“This is Mitie’s first venture into the Northern Territory and we are very excited to be working in this gateway location which is a major traffic route linking Darwin, Western Australia, South Australia and the Eastern States,” Mr Carter said.

“With a contract value at circa $7m, this development has extensive earthworks and civil components, and also provides its own challenges with the well known local weather conditions.”

Singapore-based Puma Energy has also unveiled plans for an A-triple truck refuelling stop on the northern entrance to Katherine.

Puma Energy plans to build the $1.4 million service station in Emungalan Road, near Crowhurst Engineering.