MELBOURNE NEWS

Sustainability

Fall in love with our leafy laneways

24 March 2023

We’ve transformed some of Melbourne’s iconic laneways into lush green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Greening projects are an important part of the work we do to adapt to climate change and cool the city.

Here are four leafy laneways to explore.

Guildford Lane

Wander down this quirky laneway between Queen and Sutherland streets to spot greenery flourishing in pots and window boxes, and climbing up the buildings’ drain pipes. Stay a while at the cafes for cat and bicycle enthusiasts. 

People walking through a leafy green laneway. There are pot plants on the ground and on the walls.
Guildford Lane is a leafy green oasis in the heart of the central city

Meyers Place

A striking green wall with 80 species of plants is the jewel of this laneway between Bourke and Little Collins streets. Pause to enjoy the contrast between vibrant greenery and the towering metallic skyline beyond. 

A laneway with people standing and sitting at cafe chairs around tables. The walls of the adjoining buildings are covered in green plants.
Greenery adorns Meyers Place

Coromandel Place

Stunning Boston ivy against historic red brick makes this laneway off Little Collins Street extra charming. Perfect to see in autumn for striking colours as the leaves fall. 

A red brick building in a laneway with planter boxes and ivy growing up the wall.
Planter boxes in Coromandel Place help with amenity and cooling

Katherine Place

This foodie precinct near Melbourne Aquarium has turned over a new leaf, now boasting street trees, gardens and lush greenery in planter boxes and pots. 
 

A row of street trees planted on the footpath alongside buildings.
Street trees have transformed Katherine Place

Our Green Your Laneway program was the first of its kind in Australia when it launched in 2017, transforming our laneways into leafy, welcoming places to be enjoyed by the whole community. 
 
Each laneway trialed different greening approaches. 
 
After five years of growth, we’ve evaluated the success of the laneways and identified the best ways to encourage more community-led greening. 
 
We have established incentives and opportunities for the community to green their laneways effectively, including the Greening Melbourne permit system and through the Green Your Laneway stream of the Urban Forest Fund

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