A Darwin architect firm will be paid almost $400,000 to come up with a master plan for the $5 million CBD Revitalisation Project.
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Ashford Group Architects will be in charge of finding out the best way to use the NT Government funds.
This will include community consultations.
The CBD Revitalisation Project is one step closer to becoming a reality with the consultancy company now on board, but they will not deliver any tangible changes to the CBD.
At the Katherine Town Council (KTC) meeting on Tuesday night, Alderman Gazey asked if the architect's role was "purely to come up with a plan?"
"Will there be visible changes to the CBD?"
"There are two engagement consultants, one for the master plan… another tender will carry out the work," KTC CEO Rob Jennings said.
Mr Jennings said the architect group made the most sense in experience and price.
"[The] Tender Assessment Panel recommends Ashford Group Architects as representing the greatest Value for Money return to the Council for those works specified in T18/14 — CBD Revitalisation Design Consultancy," the KTC agenda says.
"Overall, a number of mid to high detail submissions were received for this tender but Ashford Group Architects provided an extensive list of completed projects of a very similar scope inclusive of an extensive list of sub-consultants to be utilised in this project which demonstrated the greatest understanding of the work involved. Their submission value of $399,554 (GST exclusive) falls below the available project budget and accommodates all tender stipulations."
Ashford Group Architects has worked on a number of projects such as the SkyCity Casino VIP upgrade, and the Waterfront walkway.
Aldermen were told the architect group had both references and examples of previous work similar to Katherine's CBD.
It has been more than six months since the announcement was made the NT Government will be investing $5 million to spruce up the town.
Details surrounding how the money will be spent have been scarce, but originally, upgrades to roads and infrastructure, parking, lighting, WIFI/CCTV and public toilets were possibilities.
“These improvements will revitalise the Katherine CBD and provide it with beautiful and inviting street presence for locals and visitors,” Minister for the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said at the time of the announcement.
“This is part of an overall plan to create an enriching community that is engaging and functional for local residents, those visiting from the Big Rivers region, those considering relocating to a regional area and tourists alike."
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The consultancy costs of $399,554 will be the second disperse of money from the CBD Revitalisation Project funds.
Last year in September, $138,474.50 was spent on fixing up the dangerous Lindsay St roundabout.
At the time, a KTC spokeswoman said the repair funding came from a further $1 million council was hoping to contribute.
“[Council is] hoping to contribute $1 million from council cash and in-kind contributions. The first element of this contribution was confirmed at the council meeting with the Lindsay Street roundabout pavement remediation of $138,474.50,” a KTC spokeswoman said.
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