Outdoor dining, events and ambient lighting are just some of the features the community can look forward to now that major upgrades to Odgers and Verity lanes are complete.

The laneways, located in the historic Sydney and Melbourne Buildings, have undergone essential works that include an upgrade to stormwater infrastructure, better lighting, new asphalt paving, pedestrian safety and vehicle access.

Part of the broader revitalisation of the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings, the works 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.

As well as improving the safety and connectivity of the buildings, the works are a win for businesses operating out of these buildings.

Local business Sideway has already hosted a successful laneway event in the later stages of the upgrade and owner Tim Brown said he’s looking forward to holding many more just like it in future.

“It’s a fantastic space that accommodates just what we’re after. 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.”

Delivered by local construction company Complex Co, the project included:

• New asphalt paving
• Upgraded stormwater infrastructure
• Better lighting for safety and ambience in the form of festoon lighting at lane entry points
• Improvements to the centre islands
• Changes to loading zones
• Enabling time-of-day closures for outdoor dining and special events.

To support local business and outdoor dining in the lanes, there are some changes to traffic conditions. 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, please contact the Event and Business Coordination team at Access Canberra: EventApprovals@act.gov.au

^{Verity Lane.}

^{Entrance to Verity Lane featuring new lighting, surfacing and garden beds.}

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