Melbourne Iconic Laneways
Project Details
Point of Difference
The project that put Village Well on the map, proving the power of place-led transformation and setting the stage for Melbourne’s iconic laneway culture.
Location
Flinders St and Degraves St, Melbourne CBD
Traditional Custodians
Wurundjeri People
Client
City of Melbourne
Year
1992
Context & Place of Vision
Context
In the early 1990s, Melbourne’s laneways were underutilized and lacked the vibrancy they are now famous for. Village Well’s founder, Gilbert Rochecouste, was part of a creative placemaking movement advocating for improvements to these spaces. This led to the City of Melbourne engaging him to develop a vision for Flinders Lane and Degraves Street, shaping their transformation into thriving cultural and social destinations
Place of Vision
“Creating Melbourne’s iconic destinations, full of surprise and wonder.”
Impact & Result
Impact
Led a dynamic engagement process with businesses, artists, and community groups.
Established an arts cluster and launched Melbourne’s first Laneway Festival.
Informed business development strategies that supported local entrepreneurs.
Influenced the City of Melbourne’s street initiatives, enabling outdoor dining and pedestrian-friendly laneways.
Sparked the revitalization of Melbourne’s laneway’s, making them world-renowned.
This project was a catalyst for change, transforming Melbourne’s laneways into beloved cultural, retail, and dining destinations. The success of Flinders Lane and Degraves Street set the precedent for laneway revitalization across the city, inspiring global best practices in placemaking.