Urgent calls for heritage protections as development threatens potential archaeological discovery
A structure unearthed at the Harry Chan development site may be linked to Darwin’s historic Chinatown, according to local historians and community advocates. The site, which is now being prepared for construction, has prompted concern following the exposure of what appears to be the outline of an old building within flagged excavation areas.
Peter Forrest, respected local historian, has noted that good practice — and, in many jurisdictions, the law — requires archaeological surveys before construction begins in historically sensitive areas. “Those discoveries are not surprising,” he said. “There should have been a systematic archaeological survey before any work started.”
A local resident, who brought the discovery to light, says there’s a risk the developer could proceed with construction before the site is properly assessed. “We need to get this information out there before the developer bullies his way through and just digs it all up,” he said.
Wednesday 18th June 2025 PLan contacted the Heritage Council but were turned away. The Heritage Council advise that community should contact the developer directly, Mr Kirlew, Convener of PLan said “I was stunned, I am used to Work Health and Safety who at least will give out a ticket number and send an inspector.” Mr Kirlew went on to say “Is this acceptable in this day and age that a genuine community concern is turned away with no acknowledgement? We saw the Hotel Darwin demolished overnight to avoid scrutiny, surely we are a more mature community today. A visit to the Darwin Museum will reveal a treasure trove of Chinese relics, this could be such a find.”
The site sits on the former location of Darwin’s Chinatown, destroyed in the mid-20th century and long neglected in the city’s planning history. Travellers, including many Chinese migrants, would walk from the wharf to what is now the DCC car park — placing the Harry Chan site squarely within the corridor of early settlement.
Current development approvals reportedly include conditions relating to heritage finds, but questions are being raised about enforcement — particularly in light of recent legal changes that may weaken such safeguards in the NT.
Community group PLan: The Planning Action Network is urging immediate action. Convenor Nicholas Kirlew says, “We call on the NT Government and the Historical Society to ensure that this site is professionally assessed, and that any works are halted until the full cultural and historical significance is understood. If this is part of old Chinatown, it belongs to all Territorians.”
The discovery also throws fresh light on longstanding concerns over how public land is being fast-tracked for private development, with minimal transparency or accountability — especially in historically or culturally significant locations like the Harry Chan site.
Work at the site reportedly paused shortly after the discovery, but there is no confirmation of a formal archaeological assessment or any protective orders being issued.