The Victorian Government is undertaking a project to revitalise 40 laneways in the CBD, North Melbourne and Carlton, in a job-boosting new program.
More than 150 people will be employed through the Working for Victoria initiative as part of the largest makeover of lanes seen in the area.
Victorian Minister for Employment, Jaala Pulford, said, “We’re revitalising some of Melbourne’s most compact but best loved public spaces – what a great project and a terrific way to get people back to work.
“This will drive creativity and pride in our CBD laneways and create jobs for workers ranging from designers and lighting specialists to technicians and maintenance workers.”
The six-month project will provide a boost for workers in the creative industries, which have been among the hardest hit in the pandemic, with a call to go out for designers, music producers, light specialists, production designers and technicians, as well as maintenance workers.
Victorian Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, said, “We’re helping people from the creative industries to use their talents to create a legacy for the city that will be enjoyed by Melbourne’s residents, workers and visitors for years to come.”
Confirmation of the revamp comes after the Victorian Government announced a $100 million fund to back CBD cafes, restaurants and bars to take their hospitality offerings outdoors as Victoria moves steadily towards a COVID Normal and a new way of communing.
Tattersalls Lane, Heffernan Lane, Flinders Court, Healeys Lane and McKillop Street are among the CBD locations that will receive a major spruce-up and fresh sheen, improving public safety and supporting local businesses.
The first stretch to undergo revitalisation will be Westwood Lane alongside the Salvation Army’s Bourke Street headquarters, with the installation of creative lighting and art designed to improve amenity and increase foot traffic in the area.
Raglan Street, Little Errol Street and Bakery Lane are among candidates for a makeover in North Melbourne, and Kelvin Place, Beard Place and Canada Lane in Carlton.
The City of Melbourne will also contribute resources towards the project which will create a network of laneways with their own stories, visuals and acoustic designs, shedding new light on some of the city’s lesser-known laneways.
City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp, said, “Melbourne’s laneway culture is internationally renowned and a major asset for our city – this project will create jobs now, support our local businesses and traders and help attract more people into the city in the future.”
Since launching in April, the $500 million Working for Victoria initiative has created more than 10,000 jobs. For more information, or to register for Working for Victoria, click here.
