Brisbane’s two-dozen unnamed laneways have lost one of their number – with one in the CBD being officially named by Brisbane City Council after 1900s ironmonger and coach builder Leonard Spencer.
A recent council CBD audit under the Vibrant Laneway and Small Spaces program and City Centre Master Plan identified about 25 lanes without names. Spencer Lane, located between Edward and Felix streets off Margaret Street, now has a brand new blue street sign, although it will not be recognised on UBDs until August 2010.
Neighbourhood Planning Chair Amanda Cooper said council wanted to name the remaining lanes with the help of a committee, including heritage experts, reflecting the history and character of the area. Cr Cooper said naming the lanes gave BCC a chance to promote Brisbane’s history.
“Mr Spencer was a trader and owner with a long history in and around the laneway as a tenant from 1903 and owner of a number of buildings abutting the lane, which in the 1920s and 30s were occupied by leather and metal merchants,” she said.
"The vicinity of Spencer Lane contains three heritage-listed buildings and will now be revitalised as part of council’s broader City Centre Master Plan,” Cr Cooper said.
The first venue to boast Brisbane's newest address would be the trendy Urbane Restaurant when it opened next week
“Businesses like Urbane Restaurant will play a key role in the Vibrant Laneways program and it's great to see Urbane taking the lead in activating one of the city’s small spaces with the opening of a laneway bar and restaurant,” she said.
Other Council Vibrant Laneways projects, which aim to revitalise tired and neglected CBD locations, include the revitalisation of Market Street, the Jacob’s Ladder and King Edward Park Project, Burnett Lane and the Inhabit creative art and events program.
Top: Cr Amanda Cooper inspects the Spencer Lane sign off Margaret Street in the CBD.
