The laneway runs between Hobson Street and Nelson Street, and provides an additional building frontage and activated public space between the proposed Convention Centre and the Hotel. This will offer greater diversity of public space in this part of the city, with the potential to become a destination.

A dynamic artwork designed by Peata Larkin runs the full length of the lane on the southern side, and has the ability to present temporary media installations that foster activity, shelter and comfort. It is about ‘place’ providing an engaging directional and textured environment creating activity and passive surveillance.

Lighting is an important feature that punctuates the simple underlying material language of the public realm with ‘moments’ that provide scale and interest. Innovative detailing and considered use of materials have helped to capture legible and interesting spaces for people to dwell.

There are many hidden complexities to this project, and the design weaves together varied building and podium elements whilst connecting disjointed pedestrian networks. There are significant level changes, overland flow, and traffic movements; along with necessary underground services, maintenance and access requirements.

The construction of the laneway and associated public realm is likely to start in late 2019. It will be a huge milestone for the project team after six long years of hard work to get to this stage. A number of challenges remain ahead but we are looking forward to the finished product.

(Renderings by Warren and Mahoney)