The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring two of Melbourne’s most famous laneways are given greater protections against future development.
The iconic Hardware and Guildford Lanes have been granted permanent heritage protection through a new planning scheme amendment.
Amendment C271 to the Melbourne Planning Scheme applies permanent controls to parts of Hardware and Guildford Lanes and surrounding buildings to ensure their heritage values are recognised in any future development proposals.
This decision follows the City of Melbourne’s extensive consultation process with the public and the consideration of submissions by an independent planning panel.
Hardware Lane was once the heart of Melbourne’s racehorse training industry and named Kirk’s Lane in honour of James Bowie Kirk who opened the city’s first horse bazaar in the 1840’s. Today, Hardware Lane’s cobblestone pavement and umbrella canopy is reminiscent of laneways in Rome and Marseille.
Guildford Lane is unique with its east-west alignment and its own little alleyways giving the feel of a redbrick village. Once home to warehouses, factories and the influential New Theatre, it retains its industrial feel with historical signage and fittings scattered among the street art and planter boxes.
This amendment complements the work being done by the City of Melbourne in its Hoddle Grid Heritage Review, which is the most comprehensive review of heritage buildings within the Hoddle Grid since the 1990s.
The Labor Government is proud to support improved heritage protections in our city’s heart.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“These laneways have a rich and interesting history and we want them to be protected so they can be enjoyed by generations to come.”
“Like so many Victorians I’ve had some great nights out on Hardware Lane and these new heritage protections mean that future generations can experience the same.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020