The public have just two weeks (until August 21) to comment on the proposed replacement for the Don Dale centre at the sportsgrounds.

The old centre will be demolished and the new pavilion built in its place despite criticism from its original builders that another purpose should be made for the building.

The application has been made by Katherine Town Council's architectural consultants, Hames Sharley.

The new building is expected to cost about $3 million for the budget of over $6 million for the sports grounds upgrades.

The architects said the development shall act as a club house and community centre for the following groups:

The new pavilion will feature:

What the documents don't say is the new centre will incorporate the long mooted Katherine community centre, first proposed for the abandoned Sports and Recreation Club in Giles Street.

Drawing plans show the building has been elevated by 1.2 metres to mitigate the impacts of flooding.

The majority of the building's exterior is proposed as perforated metal sheeting, providing a semi transparent nature to the facade.

"The anticipated increase in public use of the facility will also assist in increasing general surveillance and reducing antisocial behaviour," planning documents state.

"The existing Don Dale facility was run-down and hardly used to its full potential. The new facilities will now provide the site with much needed sports and public use facilities through activation and new landscaping.

"The operation of the sports ground and sports pavilion will increase the activation of the area and deter anti-social behaviour in the area, thereby improving the amenity for local residents and users of the area.

You can make comment on the proposal to the NT Government:

Submit your comments on a proposed amendment using the Development Applications Online website or by email, post or fax.

Lands Planning Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, GPO Box 1680 Darwin NT 0801. Or email: planning.ntg@nt.gov.au. Fax: (08) 8999 7189.

Planning documents also state: "The development shall act as a club house and community centre for various sporting groups.

"The facility has been designed to provide a functional, versatile facility whilst at the same time being aesthetically pleasing and robust through careful material selections.

"This has been achieved through simple and sympathetic architectural designs that adhere to the following design principles: - Maximised use of cross flow ventilation where possible -Large overhangs -Durable robust material selection -Enhanced pedestrian connectivity through the site between the ovals and -car parks -New landscaping -Large central operable/flexible community function space with BBQ area."

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