Tenders have been released to build the Darwin Youth Justice Centre and the redevelopment of the Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre, creating more than 400 local jobs.
It is part of the Territory Government’s overhaul of the youth justice system, which aims to cut crime and support young people to turn their lives around to stop reoffending.
Local company Halikos Pty Ltd has been awarded the $55.1 million construction tender for the Youth Justice Centre, creating 350 local jobs, including 50 Aboriginal employment opportunities and 22 apprentices.
Construction is expected to commence in late July 2020 and finish in mid-2022.
The facility will be constructed on a greenfield site at 498 Taylor Road, Holtze, located close to police, emergency services and health services.
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Structure and landscaping for the site will occupy four hectares of a densely vegetated 14.5-hectare site.
Replacing the existing Don Dale Youth Detention Centre with the new Youth Justice Centre is a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the NT.
Local Alice Springs company Asbuild NT was awarded the $13.1 million construction contract for the redevelopment of the Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre.
The project will create 69 local jobs, including 19 Aboriginal employment opportunities and 22 apprentices. Construction is expected to commence in late July 2020.
The scope of works will include new program delivery spaces for service providers to deliver crucial programs, new medical and health area, advanced security including perimeter monitoring through CCTV, new recreation field to engage young people in sports, and redeveloped accommodation areas.
Territory Families Minister Dale Wakefield said the Territory Government is doing everything it can to save jobs and support Territory business, especially through these difficult times.
“Our tradies now have a massive pipeline of work through our various stimulus programs, and these additional construction projects will further boost the economy,” Wakefiled said.
“Construction commencing on both the Darwin and Alice Springs centres will create 419 jobs through local construction companies.
“Once completed, the centres will be places that give young offenders the best chance to turn their lives around and stop offending.”