Regenerating the Alice Town Centre –
Todd Mall Upgrade
Alice Springs Town Council is proud to deliver the Todd Mall Upgrade as part of the Regenerating the Alice Town Centre project.
This first stage of the Regenerating the Alice Town Centre project will bring to life a more vibrant, welcoming, and functional heart for our town. The overarching vision is to ”Regenerate the Alice Town Centre” for the benefit of the community, businesses, and visitors.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who provided valuable feedback during the consultation period, concept development, and the design phases.
Latest news
Todd Mall Upgrade – Construction Staging Overview
The updated staging plan below outlines the planned sequence of works for the Todd Mall Upgrade. At times, the order of works may be adjusted in consultation with nearby traders and organisations to accommodate operational needs.
Gregory Terrace (Stage 3) will be delivered in three phases to help maintain traffic flow during construction, though temporary detours and access restrictions may be required. An indicative timeline is provided for reference, and estimated timings for each stage will be added once final design verification is complete.
Todd Mall remains open for business during construction, with clear wayfinding in place to help you access shops, services and events.
Todd Mall Public Art & Design Elements
As part of the Regenerating Alice Town Centre project, Alice Springs Town Council has commissioned a range of artists to contribute to the design and storytelling of Todd Mall.
Following a competitive Expression of Interest process, a number of submissions were received, with selected artists progressing through concept design to final commission.
The commissioned works reflect the identity, culture and environment of Mparntwe, with strong involvement from local and First Nations artists.
Key contributors to Todd Mall include:
Children’s Ground – a collective of First Nations artists presenting ‘Journey Through The Day’, featured across bins, water bubblers and lighting elements, celebrating local flora, fauna and cultural stories
Keioni Lander (Mulla Mulla Art) – featuring ‘Our Country and Healing’, creating vibrant, culturally grounded designs applied across Todd Mall signage and steel cut art elements
Marie Ryder and Karine Tremblay – delivering the Ghost Gum Arbour structures, inspired by tree life and the natural environment of Central Australia
Alice Woods & Glenn Morrison – researching and developing interpretive content that shares local histories and stories
Sabella Turner – translating culturally relevant content into Central Arrernte to ensure language and cultural integrity
Together, these elements create a layered and inclusive cultural experience throughout Todd Mall.
Major Public Artwork: Resilience
The major public artwork, Resilience, by Franck Dubuc and Francesca Partridge, Edge Atelier, was selected through a comprehensive community engagement process.
From 1–14 May 2025, Council invited feedback on two concept designs through:
In-person sessions in Todd Mall, local markets and Yeperenye Shopping Centre
Online surveys and social media polling
Stakeholder discussions with traders and community groups
Across all channels, Resilience was the clear community preference, receiving strong support both in-person and online.
Community feedback highlighted the importance of artwork that reflects the resilience, identity and diversity of Alice Springs, while also contributing to activation and long-term use of the space.
The selected design continues to be refined through ongoing engagement with key stakeholders to ensure it reflects local values, cultural sensitivities and the unique character of Mparntwe.
A Shared Outcome
Together, these artworks will help shape a vibrant, culturally rich town centre — celebrating local stories, strengthening identity and creating a welcoming space for the whole community.
Commissioned artists & works
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Public artwork location map
Todd Mall Upgrade – Tree and Landscaping palette
Todd Mall Upgrade – Final Design Visualisations
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Todd Mall Upgrade – Final Design Plan
The design plan below is shown to scale and illustrates the final design to be constructed.
Todd Mall Upgrade Tree removal and replacement plan
The Todd Mall Upgrade includes a carefully considered Tree Removal and Replacement Plan. Every tree has been independently assessed.
Only trees that must be removed for safety, health or essential construction reasons will be taken out. Most established trees will remain, and new planting will improve long-term canopy, shade and soil conditions.
Our Approach
We understand Todd Mall’s trees are deeply valued. They provide shade, identity and a strong sense of place. All trees have been individually assessed by an independent arborist. Removal decisions have only been made where necessary — due to poor health, storm damage, structural risk, underground services or unavoidable construction constraints.
Wherever possible, trees are being retained and protected during construction. Importantly, this project is not reducing canopy overall. It is creating improved growing conditions to support healthier, longer-living trees into the future.
What the Plan Identifies
Trees to be retained
Protected during construction.
Trees to be removed
Identified due to poor condition, structural concerns, storm damage, service conflicts or unavoidable design constraints.
Damaged trees
Already dead or significantly affected and requiring removal.
Trees under further assessment
Two trees are currently being assessed and may be retained subject to pruning and surrounding works.
New trees
Additional planting locations designed to enhance canopy cover, shade and amenity across the Mall. Many larger, healthy trees will remain. New planting will improve soil volume, root space and long-term canopy growth so future generations can enjoy a greener Todd Mall.
The Peppercorn Tree near That Little Café
The large Peppercorn tree extending over the existing arbour structure will require substantial pruning to enable removal of the ageing arbour while allowing the tree to remain in place.
This pruning will temporarily reduce the tree’s canopy. While the tree is expected to regenerate and progressively re-establish its shade over time, its ongoing health and response to pruning will continue to be monitored.
To maintain comfort in this well-used area:
A new Ghost Gum shade structure has been relocated to this location.
A new vine arbour structure will also be installed with shade discs to provide immediate cover.
Climbing vines will be planted on the arbour to establish natural shade as they mature.
This approach enables the tree to remain part of Todd Mall while ensuring the space continues to feel comfortable and usable during the transition.
Our Commitment
The upgraded Todd Mall will deliver:
Increased and better-planned canopy cover
Improved soil and root conditions
More comfortable, shaded public spaces
A revitalised town centre that balances greenery, safety and accessibility
Upcoming works include scheduled tree removals. Trees identified for removal will be respectfully acknowledged prior to works commencing. We will continue to keep businesses and the community informed, including confirmed dates for any tree works.
If you have questions about the Tree Removal and Replacement Plan or a specific tree shown on the map, please contact the project team.
Tree removal plan questions
Are healthy trees being removed?
Why can’t construction work around all trees?
Is canopy cover being reduced?
No. While some individual trees are being removed, the overall upgrade improves growing conditions and includes new planting to support stronger, longer-lasting canopy cover over time.
Will the Mall look bare during construction?
There will be temporary visual changes in some areas. However, many established trees will remain, and additional shade structures are being installed to maintain comfort while new trees establish.
What happens to removed trees?
Trees identified for removal will be respectfully acknowledged prior to works commencing. Removal will be undertaken by qualified contractors in accordance with arboricultural best practice.
Concept Design
Design rationale
The recommended final concept package has been selected after assessment as to its:
– Alignment with project vision and guiding principles
– Community engagement outcomes
– Achievement of implementation principles.
The final concept design package comprised a combination of designs from the draft public realm options developed during the project.
The final concept package comprises:
Todd Mall streetscape renewal
– incorporated an Art Walk feature
New Community Space
– adjoined the Uniting Church and connecting via an Arbour Path to Hartley Street
Subject to funding, at least some or part of these optional projects may also be included in the detailed design or implementation stages:
Todd Street / Parsons Street connectivity improvements
– (mostly traffic, parking and line marking changes)
Hartley Street car park improvements
– (re-scoped to a lower cost to prioritise usability and amenity)
Co-design Workshops
The three-day Co-Design Workshop emphasized community collaboration to create concept design options for the Alice Town Centre.
Through this collaborative process, participants were directly involved in the development and testing of emerging master plan ideas, visions, and concepts for key locations, ensuring the project reflected the diverse needs and aspirations of the community.
Key Locations
Leichhardt Terrace (Gregory Terrace Roundabout to Wills Terrace)
– River activation
– Wayfinding
– Pedestrian and cyclist amenity
– Greening
Todd Mall (Gregory Terrace to Parson Street)
– Exploration of improvement opportunities including to open the Mall as a shared car, pedestrian, and cyclist space
Hartley Street carpark area (Corner Hartley Street and Gregory Terrace)
– Car park improvements and / or transform into a public open space
– Green, opportunities for play, cool (water), water play, misting, public art, lighting
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the existing red bricks being replaced?
What will happen to the old pavers?
They will be carefully lifted and:
Reused in other Council projects where suitable.
Made available through the Rediscovery Centre for community reuse.
Recycled for landfill cover if unusable.
Engraved bricks will be retained and reused in Todd Mall near Parsons Street.
What about the engraved bricks?
These will be carefully relocated and retained within Todd Mall.
Will there be new public toilets?
No. Toilets are not included in the current scope of work. Future opportunities will be considered as additional funding becomes available.
How will safety be improved?
New accessible paving.
Modern, energy-efficient, downward-facing lighting.
Automated bollards to control vehicle access.
Clearer layout, sightlines and wayfinding.
What's happening with the markets?
The Todd Mall Markets will still operate and temporarily relocate to the Alice Spring Town Council lawns and car parking areas for the duration of the works.
Project Timeline
Early engagement with
stakeholders
August 2023
Co-design workshops
October 2023
Concept designs consultation
9 February – 22 March 2024
Finalise concept designs
May 2024
Detailed design development
October 2024 – April/May 2025
Pre-construction
stakeholder engagement
June – July 2025
Stakeholder engagement
Ongoing
Construction
January 2026 – February 2027
Todd Mall Activations
Todd Mall is Open. Local. Evolving.
See what’s happening now and what’s coming next, including events, public art, promotions and business support initiatives.
Construction works - Mall access
The Mall remains open and accessible during construction.
We encourage everyone to continue supporting local businesses and to visit the Town Centre as this generational transformation takes shape.
Register for project updates and to be involved
The project team will email you with opportunities to be involved and to keep you updated.
From our traders to you
Todd Mall is open for business, with the Todd Mall Traders sharing the latest on events, special offers, new arrivals and day-to-day activity across the precinct.
Stay connected with what’s on and support local while you’re here.
See what’s on in Todd Mall
Open for business. Proudly local.
Contact Us
For further information about the project, including updates, opportunities to be involved, or general enquiries, please contact the Project Team:
Visit: www.regeneratingalicetc.com.au
Email: regeneratingalicetc@astc.nt.gov.au
Call: 1300 330 299
