News

Wednesday, 22 February, 2012

Northern Territory Minister for Planning, the Hon Gerald McCarthy MLA, has confirmed rezoning of the site earmarked for a major residential development in Palmerston to Special Use.

The rezoning, after many months of consultation, will allow the development of a new residential precinct in Durack to proceed as a part of the NT Government’s Housing The Territory initiative.

The Heights, Durack project partners CIC Australia and Larrakia Development Corporation in conjunction with Charles Darwin University are now starting further discussions with all stakeholders regarding the first subdivision application, which is expected to be assessed by the Development Consent Authority in April this year.

The Heights, Durack will deliver more than 800 residential dwellings and a further 70 dwellings for independent retirement living over the next decade, with a value of approximately $450 million at build-out. The project’s design ensures the new development will be integrated with the existing suburb of Durack and Palmerston Town Centre.

CIC Regional General Manager for SA, NT and WA, Mr Geoff Smith, said the first lots at The Heights, Durack are to be offered for sale in the coming months.

“A key feature of the project will be the diversity of housing options available, from first home buyers to empty nesters, and young professionals to those looking for retirement living accommodation,” Mr Smith said.

“The proposed range of specially designed Lifestyle Housing packages will be ideal for first home buyers.”

Fifteen per cent of the dwellings offered within the project will meet affordable housing criteria, and the overall cost of the Lifestyle Housing house and land packages will be below the threshold determined by the Northern Territory Government.

“The Heights, Durack will be a “no compromise” project – we will be honouring significant commitments to sustainability and smart design in all aspects of subdivision planning, environmental management during development and as a legacy for future generations,” Mr Smith said.

“Housing design guidelines will also reflect our commitment to deliver built form and open space which respects the tropical NT climate, the future needs of the community and the region’s lifestyle advantages,” Mr Smith said.

The developers’ commitment to giving back to the local community begins with The Heights, Durack’s Sales and Information Centre, to be purpose-built as a community centre for the Durack neighbourhood at a cost of $750,000. The building will be gifted to the Palmerston City Council once its sales role has been fulfilled.

Newly appointed sales manager for The Heights, Durack, Mr Jonathon Santic, said a community Open Day would be held at Charles Darwin University’s Palmerston campus on Saturday, March 3.

“The open day will continue our history of involving the local community in shaping this important addition to the region as well as providing additional information to potential future residents of The Heights, Durack,” Mr Santic said.

Further information about the project and the open day is available by visiting www.theheightsdurack.com.au.