Mindil Beach sunset market precinct to receive $25 million revamp

Darwin's iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Market will receive a $25 million infrastructure overhaul after the NT government and Darwin City Council agreed on a joint funding arrangement that resolves years of uncertainty about the market's long-term future.

The redevelopment will install permanent shade structures over the central food and craft areas, upgrade the electrical and water infrastructure to meet contemporary food safety standards, create a dedicated cultural performance space adjacent to the market green capable of hosting amplified events, and improve the accessible pathways and parking facilities that have been a longstanding concern for mobility-impaired visitors.

The Mindil Beach Casino Resort, which neighbours the market, has also committed $5 million to the shared precinct as part of a new operating agreement with the market operator, the Darwin Entertainment Centre.

Market manager Jo McKenzie said the investment would address practical constraints that had limited vendor growth and excluded some food operators from participating due to infrastructure limitations. "We have 250 stall applications for 60 food stalls every season. Better infrastructure means we can take on the best of those applicants without compromise," she said.

The market, which operates during the dry season from May to October and draws an average 6,000 visitors per evening, is one of Australia's most-visited outdoor markets. Tourism NT data shows it is the single most-mentioned attraction in visitor surveys about Darwin.

Works will be completed before the market season opens in May, with the new performance space and shade structures operational from the first market night.

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