City of Darwin is excited to announce that works on the Chapel Lane Redevelopment will officially commence on Monday 8 September 2025, marking the beginning of a transformational project that will revitalise one of Darwin's most central laneways.
The project, funded through a $1.35 million grant from the Northern Territory Government and delivered by City of Darwin, will see Chapel Lane and the adjoining Mitchell Street easement reimagined as a shaded, vibrant and accessible pedestrian precinct that reflects community aspirations for a safer, cooler and more inviting city centre.
Local Darwin company Mousellis and Sons has been engaged to deliver the works, which are scheduled for completion by December 2025, weather permitting.
The redevelopment will create a cooler, safer a more connected public space, featuring:
- A new pedestrian plaza with opportunities for alfresco dining and social gatherings.
- Urban cooling measures, including the planting of nine new trees and the installation of a shade structure.
- Improved lighting and CCTV for enhanced safety and visibility, with the potential for a new illuminated gateway sign to improve wayfinding.
- Smart city technology, providing free public wi-fi and environmental sensors to support data-driven planning.
- Replacement of hard surfaces with greener landscaping to increase comfort and improve the tropical character of the precinct.
The design will also strengthen connections to West Lane Arcade, The Galleria, and nearby hospitality venues, encouraging greater foot traffic and economic activity across the CBD.
The final design of Chapel Lane was shaped through extensive community consultation held in 2023. Feedback revealed that 67.6% of respondents were more likely to visit Chapel Lane after redevelopment, with community priorities focused on shade, alfresco dining and nighttime activation.
'We listened closely to the community, and their input has helped shape the design to ensure it meets the needs they identified as most important.' said City of Darwin CEO, Simone Saunders.
'By working together, we're turning underutilised spaces into destinations that are vibrant, safe and uniquely Darwin. By activating this area, we aim to enrich the urban experience and support local economic growth through increased foot traffic and community engagement.'
'The Chapel Lane redevelopment is about transforming spaces into places - places locals and tourists actively seek out as destinations to eat, play and stay, representing our commitment to building a city that is cooler, more connected and full of life.' she added.
While construction is underway, traffic and pedestrian management measures will be in place to prioritise safety. Access to properties will be maintained where possible, though some restrictions will apply in the immediate work zone.
- Nine carparks will be repurposed to create the new pedestrian plaza.
- Bus Stop 179 on Mitchell Street will be temporarily relocated to Tamarind Park from Thursday 4 September 2025 for the duration of the works.
City of Darwin acknowledges that construction may cause some disruption and thanks businesses, commuters and the community for their patience while we deliver this exciting city transformation.
