New Laneway 42 & 45 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross
Tim Throsby

Creation of a new laneway destination in an historic quarter of Kings Cross

Kings Cross and Potts Point are high density areas of Sydney that require access to more open space and small retail outlets and venues.

Creating a new laneway insertion 40 & 45 Darlinghurst Road in order to make an intimate place with quality small shops, and entertainment venues, providing a more pedestrianised and street active precinct, including footpath widening, street beautification, and landscaping that would achieve a great public space for Sydneysiders.

The current site, occupied by dilapidated and underused properties, could be reimagined as an intimate lane way connection from Darlinghurst Road through to Kellett Way and Earl Place on the North. This would create an iconic destination in Kings Cross, appropriate to it’s changing demography, and reinforce it’s bohemian character.

The lane ways and restored heritage facades (38-46 Darlinghurst Road) could be achieved by the sale of a heritage floor space credits over these sites, together with appropriate council zoning to encourage the right mix of activities.
Residential and boutique hotels built in and around the passageways would consolidate a local community area, and provide security (eyes on the street).

The proposal is transformational as it sets an example for intimate retail and venue outlets, which are lacking in Sydney, but prevalent in Melbourne lane ways, and small streets and arcades in Montmartre (Place du Tertre), Paris, London, and Greenwich Village in New York.