DEFENCE OF DARWIN HOUSE
A past to remember, a future to celebrate
Defence of Darwin House is proposed to be located at a site of national significance reflective of Darwin’s unique military past with incredible views overlooking the harbour’s waters of remembrance.
The venue site is a place at the edge of the city, at the edge of the land and sea, a place that overlooks waters supercharged with historical significance and memory, a place where layers of history connect our past with our future.
The site contains an area of 2537 sqm of land which is currently a bitumen carpark designated as a road reserve. The venue location is in clear view of the Darwin Cenotaph and newly installed Eternal Flame and was the site of anti-aircraft installations involved in resisting the largest ever attack on Australian shores.
Defence of Darwin House will be a place of recreation and enjoyment, a place of reflection that is welcome to all.
Darwin has a young population attracted to the Northern Territory’s relaxed, friendly and modern lifestyle which will be reflected in the development of this once in a generation opportunity to innovate for how a RSL venue can be designed and function.
The design provides for a two storey building with a basement carpark that will nestle quietly into the form of the site and will be long, low and welcoming with shady verandahs and walkways with sweeping views of the harbour waters that have immense significance to Darwin and to the whole of the nation.
The proposed development will offer a 200-seat premium bar, restaurant and lounge area as well as state of the art conference and function facilities with high speed internet access suitable for all needs and a ground-floor café open from early mornings.
The fundamental objectives of this development proposal are:
- To plan for the future viability of the club whilst being mindful of the uniqueness of Defence of Darwin House and its membership.
- Capitalise on the Defence of Darwin House’s unique location to engage young people and teach the significance of Darwin’s 100 + years of defence involvement
- Raise the profile and standing of the RSL within the community
- Encourage inclusiveness in participation between community and commemorative events in the Cenotaphic precinct adjacent to the venue; and
- Allow additional revenues to be raised to support veterans and their families.
Defence of Darwin House will be a family-friendly focused tourist and leisure venue open 365 days a year to welcome club members, their guests and all visitors.
It will be a place to pay homage and acknowledge the events of war at this very place and to recognise the role the defence force has played for so long in the evolution of Darwin’s economic and social fabric.