FAQs

The Civic Centre Community Plaza will be a community space where people can connect, gather and take part in community and business activities. People of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy the facilities, amenities and features available at the community plaza.

The existing Civic Centre has served the community for over 50 years but is now unserviceable and requires a new development to continue meeting community needs. Once the new Civic Centre development is complete, we will transform the current Civic Centre site into the Civic Centre Community Plaza, returning this space to the community and creating a place where people can connect and gather.

The current Civic Centre site will be transformed into the Civic Centre Community Plaza once demolished, connecting the new Civic Centre to the heart of the city.

City of Darwin is currently seeking community ideas on the facilities, amenities and features that will best support community use at the Civic Centre Community Plaza. After gathering feedback, Council will determine the budget for the development’s next steps.

City of Darwin’s vision is to create a cool, green and welcoming Civic Centre Community Plaza where people can gather, connect with others and engage in community and business activities or events. City of Darwin is committed to embedding cultural and historical respect and meaning into the Civic Centre Community Plaza design, where Galamarrma, the Tree of Knowledge, will be celebrated as a central feature.

City of Darwin wants to understand your ideas for the facilities and features of the Civic Centre Community Plaza that will best support community use of this space, creating a space where people can connect and gather.

Located on the site of the old Terminus Hotel in Darwin's old Chinatown, this tree has been used as a meeting place, postal address and community notice board. It was also a place where Chinese youth met with and learned from their elders and where wisdom was gained in its shade.

Known as the Tree of Knowledge, this ancient tree is culturally significant to the Larrakia people who know it as "Galamarrma". The tree, a Banyan (ficus virens) was well established by 1898 and is believed to be a part of the remnant rainforest which made way for the town of Palmerston - later Darwin.

The Terminus Hotel was progressively demolished following its closure in November 1931, and in 1969 community pressure saw the plans for the new Civic Center altered by three meters to accommodate the significant part of Darwin' history and heritage.

Darwin has been through three very destructive cyclones, including Tracy on Christmas Day 1974, and World War II when Chinatown was destroyed by fire. And, through it all, Galamarrma has survived to remind us of our past.

City of Darwin is committed to embedding cultural respect and meaning into the design of the Civic Centre Community Plaza. The new design will not only protect Galamarrma, the Tree of Knowledge, but also highlight its presence and ensure its ongoing care throughout and beyond redevelopment. 

Council will also work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the protection of Galamarrma.

While the Civic Centre provides Council services and facilities including the City of Darwin library, the Civic Centre Community Plaza will be designed specifically around community open space. Together, the new Civic Centre and Civic Centre Community Plaza will create a cohesive civic precinct.

The Civic Centre Community Plaza will integrate with Civic Park, enhancing connectivity and creating a unified community space.

Development of the Civic Centre Community Plaza is planned to commence following the completion of the new Civic Centre in 2028. Community members who are interested can subscribe to receive updates on the progress and future plans for the Civic Centre Community Plaza on the Engage Darwin webpage.

City of Darwin values your input and wants to understand what your ideas and aspirations are for the Civic Centre Community Plaza to make it yours. 

You can provide feedback and ideas by:

• Completing our survey online or collecting a physical copy from the Civic Centre or City of Darwin libraries 
• Visiting us at an information stall
• Interacting with our static display at the Civic Centre and City of Darwin libraries
• Contacting True North Strategic Communication on 08 8981 6445 or feedback@truenorthcomm.com.au
• Stay informed and follow this project by subscribing to updates on the Engage Darwin webpage

Your feedback will help shape the concept design, ensuring the outcome is guided by community priorities.

City of Darwin is open to ideas regarding the use of the space, including possible facilities, amenities and elements you would like to see in the Civic Centre Community Plaza.

Community input will help create a space that reflects local identity, values and aspirations, including design ideas for Galamarrma.

Feedback is open for 6 weeks from Monday 20 July to Friday 28 August 2026.

An engagement report will be developed and provided to City of Darwin, summarising the feedback and ideas received. Council will review this report and your feedback will help to shape the concept design of the Civic Centre Community Plaza.