Released 07/06/2023 - Joint media release
Outdoor dining, events and ambient lighting are just some of the features the community can look forward to now that major upgrades to Odgers and Verity lanes are complete.
The laneways, located in the historic Sydney and Melbourne Buildings, have undergone essential works that include an upgrade to stormwater infrastructure, better lighting, new asphalt paving, pedestrian safety and vehicle access.
Part of the broader revitalisation of the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings, the works have paved the way for more day and night-time activities and opportunities for businesses to trade in the lanes, host events, and for the community to enjoy over the coming decades.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the upgraded laneways improved our City Centre.
“The Sydney and Melbourne laneway upgrade project has created attractive, small-scale spaces that people can experience when they visit the City Centre,” Mr Barr said.
“Just as the buildings defined the early character of Civic, the revitalisation project has improved safety and connectivity for the much-loved historic Sydney and Melbourne buildings for years to come.”
“These essential stormwater works are supporting the revitalisation of the Sydney and Melbourne buildings from the bottom up.” said Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.
“They’ve received upgrades to make sure they can handle more capacity from increased waterflows and better handle instances of localised flooding.
“It’s a real win for businesses operating out of these buildings but also for Canberrans wanting unique festival experiences that the laneways will support.”
Local business Sideway has already hosted a successful laneway event in the later stages of the upgrade and owner, Tim Brown, said he’s looking forward to holding many more just like it in future.
“It’s a fantastic space that accommodates just what we’re after. The upgrade has brought a new energy to the laneway and made it more accessible for people to be outside and enjoy,”
“We’re looking forward to holding more events and bringing people back to the area. We’ve already got an outdoor dining permit in the works.”
Delivered by local construction company Complex Co, the project included:
- New asphalt paving
- Upgraded stormwater infrastructure
- Better lighting for safety and ambience in the form of festoon lighting at lane entry points
- Improvements to the centre islands
- Changes to loading zones
- Enabling time-of-day closures for outdoor dining and special events
To support local business and outdoor dining in the lanes, there are some changes to traffic conditions. Verity Lane will be closed to traffic from 4pm-10pm Monday to Sunday. Odgers Lane will remain open to traffic but closed for special events.
Click here to learn more about the Sydney and Melbourne Building revitalisation project.
If you’d like to host a laneway event in Verity or Odgers Lanes, please contact the Event and Business Coordination team, Access Canberra EventApprovals@act.gov.au
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases