Hosier Lane back in action following accessibility upgrades

Upgrade works have been completed at Hosier Lane, improving accessibility and pedestrian movement through one of Melbourne’s best-known street art destinations.

The City of Melbourne began works in April along the laneway between Flinders St and Flinders Lane, as well as adjoining Rutledge Lane.

The project involved replacing existing heritage bluestone pitchers with recycled, cut bluestone, widening the footpath along the western side of Hosier Lane and resurfacing Rutledge Lane.

The new surface has been brought up to grade to make it easier and safer for residents, workers and visitors to move through the precinct while viewing its constantly changing collection of street art.

Speaking following the unveiling on Friday, July 31, Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the upgrades were important for a destination attracting more than 1.4 million visitors each year.

“Melbourne’s Hosier Lane is one of the street art capitals of the world, with more than 1.4 million people visiting every year,” Cr Reece said.

“This is one of our city’s most renowned tourist destinations and it’s back in action – it’s only right everyone can access it.”

Cr Reece said the council had spent several months laying the new bluestone and improving the condition of the laneway.

“We want to thank our local Hosier Lane businesses as we’ve delivered this important work,” he said.

The council is also investigating new lighting options for Hosier Lane, with further details expected as that work progresses.

The project plan shows reconstructed bluestone paving throughout the main roadway, a widened footpath and resurfacing around Rutledge Lane, while retaining the heritage character of the precinct.