The transformation of one of Geelong’s laneways has been recognised for its excellence and innovation.
The Geelong Laneways: Malop Arcade project was named joint winner of the National Architecture Award for Small Project Architecture for the extension of Dennys Place between Malop and Little Malop Streets.
The project, a partnership between the state government and City of Greater Geelong, turned the interior of a private commercial space into a public walkthrough featuring garden beds, climbing plants, public artworks, seating and an accessible walkway.
The extension, which provides pedestrian connection between popular city locations, is part of the wider Revitalising Central Geelong Partnership between the Victorian government, the City and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Corporation.
The success of the project has spurred on the Market Square Breakthrough project, a similar transformation that will connect the Market Street laneway from Little Ryrie to Ryrie Street and is nearing completion.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said these projects were part of the ongoing revitalisation of central Geelong.
“The Geelong Laneways: Malop Arcade project has been a huge success, and we can see that with the number of people who pass through the area every day, linking areas that were previously divided,” he said.
Deputy chair of the CBD Revitalisation portfolio councillor Ron Nelson said the award was “a direct result of a partnership between the City and the Victorian government.”
“We are very excited for the Market Street Breakthrough project to be completed, and to see our city’s connectivity and revitalisation continued further,” he said.
