Odgers and Verity lanes, in the historic Sydney and Melbourne Buildings, now have upgraded stormwater infrastructure, better lighting, new asphalt paving, pedestrian safety, and vehicle access. 

The Canberra community can look forward to outdoor dining, events, and ambient lighting there, the ACT Government promises.

The Sydney and Melbourne buildings are Civic’s key landmark buildings, framing the gateway to Northbourne Avenue and City Hill.  Constructed between 1926 and 1946, the buildings were designed as the city’s premier “retail trader’s block.

The works, part of the broader revitalisation of the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings, 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, the ACT Government states.

“The Sydney and Melbourne laneway upgrade project has created attractive, small-scale spaces that people can experience when they visit the City Centre,” Chief Minister Andrew 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.”

Local construction company Complex Co delivered the project.

“These essential stormwater works are supporting the revitalisation of the Sydney and Melbourne buildings from the bottom up.” said Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Transport and City Services.

“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.”

Sideway, a bar and music venue, has already hosted a successful laneway event in the later stages of the upgrade.

“It’s a fantastic space that accommodates just what we’re after,” Tim Brown, Sideway’s owner, said. “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.”

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.

If you’d like to host a laneway event in Verity or Odgers Lanes, contact the Event and Business Coordination team, Access Canberra [email protected].