Perri Group and Pellicano delivered 17 Bennetts Lane as a dynamic new piece of place-making within Melbourne’s highly sought-after East End, centered around the historic Wesley Church precinct and surrounding civic green spaces. The project contributes to the revitalization of the previously underutilized Bennetts Lane and Davison’s Place laneway network, forming part of a connected pedestrian spine linking the northern CBD through to the Yarra River frontage.

The genuine mixed-use development comprises approximately 40% commercial office, 40% boutique hotel apartments and private members club offerings – The Lane House and The Lane Club – and 20% retail. Street engagement was a key priority, informing the inclusion of a distinctive Sky Lobby and activated retail frontages that re-establish Melbourne’s traditional laneway character and encourage activity throughout the day and evening.

The commercial office component offers whole-floor tenancies with hotel-spec design, three sides of natural light, private terraces and expansive outlooks. Architecturally, the FJC Studio-designed building was heavily influenced by light, air and its relationship to the Wesley Church courtyard olive tree, with the form intentionally softened to enhance sky views and daylight penetration to surrounding streets and public spaces.

Heritage retention, adaptive reuse and material reuse were central to the design approach, with revived brick, timber and bluestone reinforcing a strong contemporary sense of place while respecting the site’s historic context. Sustainability initiatives include high-performance facades, efficient HVAC systems, low-energy lighting, water-saving fixtures, environmentally conscious materials and responsibly sourced finishes. ‘The Lane House’, a 112-key boutique hotel apartment offering, and ‘The Lane Club’ private members club are set to open in late 2026.