A total of 419 local jobs will be created through the construction of a new purpose-built Darwin Youth Justice Centre and the redevelopment of the Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre.
These are major construction projects that will create local jobs, support local business and boost the economy.
Rebuilding the youth detention centres is part of the Territory Labor Government's overhaul of the youth justice system, which will cut crime, support young people to turn their lives around and stop reoffending.
New Purpose-Built Darwin Youth Justice Centre
Local company Halikos Pty Ltd has been awarded the $55.1 million (GST inclusive) construction tender for the development of the new Youth Justice Centre in Darwin, creating 350 local jobs, including 50 Aboriginal employment opportunities and 22 apprentices.
Halikos Pty Ltd is a well-known Darwin based construction company that has significant experience in delivering major infrastructure projects.
Construction is expected to commence in late July 2020 and finish in mid-2022.
The purpose-built facility will be constructed on a greenfield site at 498 Taylor Road, Holtze. The site is located close to police, emergency services and health services.
The structures and landscaping of the Darwin Youth Justice Centre site will occupy four hectares of a densely vegetated 14.5-hectare site.
Replacing the existing Don Dale Youth Detention Centre with a new purpose-built Youth Justice Centre is a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the NT.
Refurbishment of Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre
Local Alice Springs company Asbuild NT has been awarded the $13.1 million (GST inclusive) construction contract for the redevelopment of the Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre. Asbuild NT was established in Alice Springs in 2007 and has quickly risen to become one of Central Australia's most respected building firms.
This project will create 69 local jobs, including 19 Aboriginal employment opportunities and 22 apprentices. Construction is expected to commence in late July 2020.
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.
As noted by Minister for Territory Families, Dale Wakefield
"The Territory Labor 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.
"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."
