Indigenous owned company M+J Builders will construct the new multi-purpose Gray Community Hall with demolition scheduled to start later this month. 

The $1.83 million project will redevelop the aging facility into a versatile and contemporary multi-purpose space while supporting 16 local jobs during demolition and construction. Community groups will be back hosting their fabulous and improved birthday parties, graduations and bingo nights again in no time. 

“We are excited the Gray Community Hall redevelopment is quickly building momentum with the award of the construction tender,” Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell said. 

“We have been working hard alongside the Australian Government to deliver this much needed community facility upgrade to Palmerston people.”

The new hall will include a main and secondary indoor function space, improved kitchen facilities, sweeping veranda spaces with high ceiling fans and a larger storage room. The facility will have a number of energy efficiency considerations and will be fully accessible and access compliant. 

Senator for the Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon said the people of Palmerston have been crying out for an upgraded community centre and this will provide a much need improved space for people to meet.

“I fought hard for this funding and I congratulate M+J Builders on winning the construction contract,” Dr McMahon said.

“This new centre will be a focal point for locals to meet and celebrate important milestone events and I look forward to its opening later this year,” Dr McMahon said. 

Community feedback during consultation on the initial design saw a larger and more suitable storage space incorporated into the final design for all users of the facility.

“This new facility will create a place to build relationships and community identity right in the heart of our town,” the Mayor said. “We are excited to give our community a bigger and better place to host their birthday parties, get married, celebrate graduation or play bingo.”

The Australian Government has funded $1.455 million of the project through its Community Developments Grant program, with Council funding the remainder.

M+J Builders Director Michael Buckley is excited to be involved in delivering this important community project. 

“We are thrilled to be the successful tenderers for the Gray Community Hall redevelopment with 11 local workers to be employed during construction,” Mr Buckley said. 

“This is a great opportunity to be part of developing a modern multi-use facility that will cater to so many different people.

“Knowing our work will have a positive impact on the community is extremely rewarding and we can’t wait to get started.” 

Construction is scheduled to start in June following the completion of demolition. The new facility will be finished in the last quarter of 2021. 

For more information, visit www.palmerston.nt.gov.au  

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