The heritage-listed Sydney and Melbourne buildings are set to be revitalised, with stormwater works kick-starting restoration efforts on the iconic buildings.

These works form part of the ACT Government’s 2021-22 Budget to upgrade stormwater services across the ACT, with other stormwater system upgrades taking place in Narrabundah and the Mawson group centre.

The stormwater system upgrades to the Sydney and Melbourne buildings will lay the groundwork for further improvements to the historic buildings, and the ACT Government will be working closely with business owners in both buildings on a plan to restore  the buildings over the coming years.

The first part of the upgrades is set to take place in Odgers and Verity Lanes and will be followed by further improvements that will continue the transformation of the laneways into exciting public spaces.

Coinciding with the stormwater work, the ACT Government through the City Renewal Authority is also developing concept designs for the laneways to improve safety, connectivity and service functions for businesses operating out of the buildings.