Darwin 19 July 2013. Minister for Central Australia Matt Conlan said the Todd Mall in Alice Springs is refreshed and revitalised after a $5 million revamp.

Mr Conlan said the Mall redevelopment would officially open tomorrow following completion of upgrades, which began in November last year.

“The rejuvenation of the Todd Mall and Central Business District is vital to the development of Central Australia,” Mr Conlan said.

“The new-look Todd Mall will provide an open access, safe and attractive environment for Alice Springs residents, visitors and tourists to enjoy.

“The make-over will lure more people into the Mall, which is good for local businesses, good for the economy and will create more jobs in the region.

“The upgrades will allow traffic flow through the northern half of the Mall and provide easy access to our restaurants and shopsthrough on-street parking.

“The redevelopment and new Tourism Visitor Centre, coupled with the successful introduction in May of free Wi-Fi in the Todd Mall by Tourism NT and the Alice Springs Town Council, will provide a huge boost to the town. The $5 million revamp is an important investment by the Territory Government and will ensure a thriving and bustling town centre now and into the future.”

The redevelopment of the Todd Mall includes the Parsons Street Biodiversity Corridor, which links Todd Mall and the Todd River for pedestrians. Other features include:

• New paving incorporating the ‘original named pavers’
• New street furniture and benches
• New shade structures and weather protection
• Upgrade of underground services including water, sewer and electrical
• Landscaping including native plants, water features and desert gardens

“The upgrades also include space for musical and cultural performances, which will create better tourism experiences for visitors,” Mr Conlan said.

“Sections of the Mall are also able to be closed to vehicles for pedestrian only events including Sunday Markets, bangtail muster and Christmas parade.”

The Territory Government provided the Alice Springs Town Council with $5 million to complete the upgrades.

Image courtesy ABC.net.au