A plan to transform Darwin City's laneways and small streets into enjoyable places for locals and visitors was launched today, with Chapel Lane identified as the first space to receive a facelift under the new plan.
The Northern Territory Government, in partnership with the City of Darwin and Australian Government, developed the Laneways and Small Streets Action Plan under the Darwin City Deal.
As part of the Action Plan, the NT Government has provided $1.35 million in funding to City of Darwin to redevelop Chapel Lane, which will include revitalising the laneway and the nearby easement alongside Mitchell Street between the Hilton Hotel and TIO Building.
Locals and visitors are invited to have their say on the Chapel Lane redevelopment project, which aims to encourage movement through the space, enhance the quality of the pedestrian experience, and provide opportunities for improving economic outcomes for surrounding businesses.
The vision for Chapel Lane is to create a pedestrian precinct, cool the area, replace hard surfaces, increase lighting, and potentially install public art.
The Laneways and Small Streets Action Plan aims to coordinate existing and future work and investment in a number of laneways and small streets in the Darwin Central Business District.
Twelve actions have been identified to be delivered by the Northern Territory Government and City of Darwin, working closely with traders, property owners, Larrakia and other organisations as required with a focus on placemaking, activations and encouraging investment in our small streets and laneways.
These initiatives complement existing work by the Northern Territory Government and City of Darwin to improve amenity, connectivity and safety in laneways and walkways within the city centre including the successful $3 million upgrades to Austin Lane and Spain Place.
Have your say on the Chapel Lane redevelopment at engage.darwin.nt.gov.au/chapel-lane. Community consultation closes 3pm Friday 8 September 2023.
To view the Laneways and Small Streets Action Plan, visit activatedarwin.nt.gov.au/city-projects/transforming-public-spaces.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis
"City of Darwin is proud to continue working with the Federal and Northern Territory Governments to implement The Darwin City Deal. Together we are transforming our City by revitalising the streets and unlocking the potential of Darwin."
"Laneways and small streets are an important part of our city's character and $1.35 million investment will make a big difference on Chapel Lane and it's connection to Mitchell Street and the mall."
"Our goal is to make Chapel Lane a deliberate detour - not just a sneaky short cut."
"We will revitalise the laneway by transforming the current parking lane on Mitchell Street into a pedestrian plaza and connecting this area to Chapel Lane through an improved streetscape with landscaping, public art, and cooling. "
"The success of taking these simple steps can already be seen on Austin Lane, where the City Deal has resulted in creating a lively and inviting public space which has led to private investment and economic development for Darwin."
"This is an exciting opportunity to create another vibrant pocket in our CBD."
Quotes attributable to Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling
"The Darwin City Deal is a great example of what we can achieve when all levels of government work collaboratively with stakeholders and, most importantly, the local community.
"It's about transforming spaces into places - places locals and tourists actively seek out as destinations to eat, play and stay.
"We've got restaurants, bars and street art that would give even the best Melbourne streets and laneways a run for their money, of course, with a Territory flavour.
"Territorians know what's best for the Territory, and I encourage the local community to make sure their voice is heard by jumping online to complete the survey and provide their feedback."
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Chief Minister, the Hon Natasha Fyles MLA
"By investing in our public places, the Territory Labor Government will keep more locals, tourists and investors coming into Darwin, creating jobs and boosting the economy.
"Austin Lane and Spain Place are vibrant and inviting spaces, showcasing the benefits of improving the amenity of public spaces, and reclaiming these places for people.
"I encourage traders and property owners in the laneways and small streets with innovative ideas to work with both the NT Government and City of Darwin to realise the shared vision for activated public spaces."
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Chief Minister, the Hon Natasha Fyles MLA
"By investing in our public places, the Territory Labor Government will keep more locals, tourists and investors coming into Darwin, creating jobs and boosting the economy.
"Austin Lane and Spain Place are vibrant and inviting spaces, showcasing the benefits of improving the amenity of public spaces, and reclaiming these places for people.
"I encourage traders and property owners in the laneways and small streets with innovative ideas to work with both the NT Government and City of Darwin to realise the shared vision for activated public spaces."
