Chapel Lane Revitalisation

City of Darwin is excited to announce that works on the Chapel Lane Redevelopment will officially commence on Monday 8 September 2025, marking the beginning of a transformational project that will revitalise one of Darwin’s most central laneways.

The project, funded through a $1.35 million grant from the Northern Territory Government and delivered by City of Darwin, will see Chapel Lane and the adjoining Mitchell Street easement reimagined as a shaded, vibrant and accessible pedestrian precinct that reflects community aspirations for a safer, cooler and more inviting city centre.

Local Darwin company Mousellis and Sons has been engaged to deliver the works, which are scheduled for completion by December 2025, weather permitting.

The redevelopment will create a cooler, safer a more connected public space, featuring:

• A new pedestrian plaza with opportunities for alfresco dining and social gatherings.

• Urban cooling measures, including the planting of nine new trees and the installation of a shade structure.

• Improved lighting and CCTV for enhanced safety and visibility, with the potential for a new illuminated gateway sign to improve wayfinding.

• Smart city technology, providing free public wi-fi and environmental sensors to support data-driven planning.

• Replacement of hard surfaces with greener landscaping to increase comfort and improve the tropical character of the precinct.

The design will also strengthen connections to West Lane Arcade, The Galleria, and nearby hospitality venues, encouraging greater foot traffic and economic activity across the CBD.

The final design of Chapel Lane was shaped through extensive community consultation held in 2023. Feedback revealed that 67.6% of respondents were more likely to visit Chapel Lane after redevelopment, with community priorities focused on shade, alfresco dining and nighttime activation.

‘We listened closely to the community, and their input has helped shape the design to ensure it meets the needs they identified as most important.’ said City of Darwin CEO, Simone Saunders.

‘By working together, we’re turning underutilised spaces into destinations that are vibrant, safe and uniquely Darwin. By activating this area, we aim to enrich the urban experience and support local economic growth through increased foot traffic and community engagement.’

‘The Chapel Lane redevelopment is about transforming spaces into places - places locals and tourists actively seek out as destinations to eat, play and stay, representing our commitment to building a city that is cooler, more connected and full of life.’ she added.

While construction is underway, traffic and pedestrian management measures will be in place to prioritise safety. Access to properties will be maintained where possible, though some restrictions will apply in the immediate work zone.

• Nine carparks will be repurposed to create the new pedestrian plaza.

• Bus Stop 179 on Mitchell Street will be temporarily relocated to Tamarind Park from Thursday 4 September 2025 for the duration of the works.

City of Darwin acknowledges that construction may cause some disruption and thanks businesses, commuters and the community for their patience while we deliver this exciting city transformation.

City of Darwin continues to deliver projects to transform the city centre, with the final design for the revitalisation of Chapel Lane released today.

The design to transform this popular laneway, delivered by local firm RPS, focusses on connectivity, safety and activation and was informed by engagement with stakeholders and the community.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the design would see the area revitalised for pedestrians, visitors, residents and local businesses.

“Chapel Lane will be transformed into an activated place that attracts people and encourages them to stay and enjoy the space,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“The community told us their priorities were shading and cooling, places for alfresco dining, and activating the laneway at night-time, and the design reflects that feedback.

“The design has a strong focus on connectivity, safety and activation and I have no doubt it will attract people to Chapel Lane, which is not only good for business, but also good for creating a sense of community,” he said.

The design not only revitalises the laneway but also improves pedestrian access to West Lane Arcade, The Galleria and surrounding businesses by replacing the roadway with a pedestrian focussed plaza and enhanced wayfinding and lighting.

The NT Government has provided $1.35 million in funding for City of Darwin to redevelop Chapel Lane as part of the Laneways and Small Streets Action Plan. The project is a further commitment towards a common vision for Darwin’s future as a liveable and tropical capital city, supported by a growing population and diversified economy.

Chapel Lane was identified for its strategic location near main streets, precincts, pedestrian links, and hubs of retail, entertainment and nightlife.

City of Darwin has awarded the design tender for the redevelopment of Chapel Lane to leading provider of consulting and engineering services, RPS.

Following a community engagement process, RPS will now commence the design for the redeveloped space, which will include revitalising the laneway and the nearby carpark area adjacent to Mitchell Street to transform the space through a focus on connectivity, safety and activation.

City of Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said he was keen to see a design that featured improved access to West Lane arcade, the Galleria and city retailers.

“The plan for Chapel Lane is to create a laneway that increases activation of the space and provides improved economic outcomes for surrounding businesses,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“We want to enhance pedestrian connectivity, improve wayfinding and encourage people to stay longer through improved streetscapes.

“The redevelopment will include a plaza, increased cooling of the area through more shade trees and canopies and additional lighting to enhance safety and amenity.

“Laneways and small streets in Darwin are critical in providing connectivity for pedestrians to move easily through the city, and they should be safe, vibrant and pleasant to use,” he said.

The NT Government has provided $1.35 million in funding for City of Darwin to redevelop Chapel Lane as part of the Laneways and Small Streets Action Plan, which forms part of the Darwin City Deal.

The Chapel Lane redevelopment is a further commitment towards a common vision for Darwin’s future as a liveable and tropical capital city, supported by a growing population and diversified economy and working closely with traders, property owners, Larrakia and other organisations with a focus on placemaking, activations and encouraging investment in small streets and laneways.

The Laneways and Small Streets Action Plan provides certainty for traders and investors to guide collective efforts and investment and sets out a vision for Darwin city’s laneways and small streets.

Chapel Lane was identified for its strategic location near main streets, precincts, pedestrian links, and retail, entertainment and nightlife hubs.

“Revitalising our laneways and small streets can be done in a way that complements our streets and malls, by increasing vibrancy and activity rather than competing with what already exists,” Mr Vatskalis said.

A plan to transform Darwin City’s laneways and small streets into enjoyable places for locals and visitors was launched today, with Chapel Lane identified as the first space to receive a facelift under the new plan.

The Northern Territory Government, in partnership with the City of Darwin and Australian Government, developed the Laneways and Small Streets Action Plan under the Darwin City Deal.

As part of the Action Plan, the NT Government has provided $1.35 million in funding to City of Darwin to redevelop Chapel Lane, which will include revitalising the laneway and the nearby easement alongside Mitchell Street between the Hilton Hotel and TIO Building.

Locals and visitors are invited to have their say on the Chapel Lane redevelopment project, which aims to encourage movement through the space, enhance the quality of the pedestrian experience, and provide opportunities for improving economic outcomes for surrounding businesses.

The vision for Chapel Lane is to create a pedestrian precinct, cool the area, replace hard surfaces, increase lighting, and potentially install public art.

The Laneways and Small Streets Action Plan aims to coordinate existing and future work and investment in a number of laneways and small streets in the Darwin Central Business District.

Twelve actions have been identified to be delivered by the Northern Territory Government and City of Darwin, working closely with traders, property owners, Larrakia and other organisations as required with a focus on placemaking, activations and encouraging investment in our small streets and laneways.

These initiatives complement existing work by the Northern Territory Government and City of Darwin to improve amenity, connectivity and safety in laneways and walkways within the city centre including the successful $3 million upgrades to Austin Lane and Spain Place.

Have your say on the Chapel Lane redevelopment at engage.darwin.nt.gov.au/chapel-lane. Community consultation closes 3pm Friday 8 September 2023.

To view the Laneways and Small Streets Action Plan, visit activatedarwin.nt.gov.au/city-projects/transforming-public-spaces.

Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis

“City of Darwin is proud to continue working with the Federal and Northern Territory Governments to implement The Darwin City Deal. Together we are transforming our City by revitalising the streets and unlocking the potential of Darwin.”

“Laneways and small streets are an important part of our city’s character and $1.35 million investment will make a big difference on Chapel Lane and it’s connection to Mitchell Street and the mall.”

“Our goal is to make Chapel Lane a deliberate detour – not just a sneaky short cut.”

“We will revitalise the laneway by transforming the current parking lane on Mitchell Street into a pedestrian plaza and connecting this area to Chapel Lane through an improved streetscape with landscaping, public art, and cooling. “

“The success of taking these simple steps can already be seen on Austin Lane, where the City Deal has resulted in creating a lively and inviting public space which has led to private investment and economic development for Darwin.”

“This is an exciting opportunity to create another vibrant pocket in our CBD.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling

“The Darwin City Deal is a great example of what we can achieve when all levels of government work collaboratively with stakeholders and, most importantly, the local community.

“It’s about transforming spaces into places – places locals and tourists actively seek out as destinations to eat, play and stay.

“We’ve got restaurants, bars and street art that would give even the best Melbourne streets and laneways a run for their money, of course, with a Territory flavour.

“Territorians know what’s best for the Territory, and I encourage the local community to make sure their voice is heard by jumping online to complete the survey and provide their feedback.”

Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Chief Minister, the Hon Natasha Fyles MLA

“By investing in our public places, the Territory Labor Government will keep more locals, tourists and investors coming into Darwin, creating jobs and boosting the economy.

“Austin Lane and Spain Place are vibrant and inviting spaces, showcasing the benefits of improving the amenity of public spaces, and reclaiming these places for people.

“I encourage traders and property owners in the laneways and small streets with innovative ideas to work with both the NT Government and City of Darwin to realise the shared vision for activated public spaces.”