Katherine's Town Square clock will be demolished as part of plans to upgrade the park.
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That fate of the clock has not been clear since Katherine Town Council embarked on its plans to spend all its remaining $3.5 million CBD revitalisation grant from the NT Government on the area popularly known as 50 Cent Park.
The council is now inviting tenders for the project.
The NT Government handed over $5 million to the council in July 2018 for the CBD upgrade, $1.5 million of that has already been diverted for the hot spring project repairs.
"The project will activate the Town Square and create a space for the Katherine community to gather and socialise, ultimately benefiting the surrounding businesses," council said in a statement.
"Council is excited to be able to provide local construction projects to help locals, during this tough time."
The project involves creating shade with trees that will form a natural canopy, a portable café/kiosk, audio visual equipment and decorative lighting that can be adjusted for different occasions, cooling misters and a toilet block on Railway Terrace.
Safety lighting and CCTV cameras will also be included.
There will be five flag poles (there's already two), a projector screen, the sculpture will be relocated and the toilets are to have showers and a bike shelter attached.
A palm tree from the park is to be relocated to the First and Giles streets roundabout (near the courthouse).
"Council acknowledges and appreciates the community's patience during the designing stage of the CBD and development approvals."
Tender submission must be received by June 11.
Tender information and documentation can be found on the Katherine Town Council's website (katherine.nt.gov.au) and through Tenderlink. If you require further information please contact Katherine Town Council on 8972 5500.
The Development Consent Authority has already approved the plans despite four public submissions which appear to oppose the development.
The proposal requirement a variation in planning laws to allow for fewer loading bays than normally required.
"... the proposal is located within the Katherine town centre in a highly accessible location and there is a good supply of car parking in the locality," the authority said in its decision.
"It is expected to attract customers which are in town for a variety of reasons. Therefore, it is not likely to generate significant traffic movements as a destination. It is expected that there would be a significant level of pedestrian visitation."
The public submissions "highlighted competition with existing cafes in town; retaining and planting new trees and traffic and car parking issues".
"The authority noted that issues of competition are not relevant under the either the Planning Act 1999 or the Northern Territory Planning Scheme and are beyond the Authority's power to consider."
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