Perri Projects & Pellicano Unveil Archaeological Discovery at Bennetts Lane

A fascinating snapshot of Melbourne’s earliest history has been unearthed as part of archaeological investigation at the anticipated new mixed-use project in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, Bennetts Lane.

Bennetts Lane, an award-winning collaborative project between developers Perri Projects and Pellicano, is a 20-floor, 12,000sqm office development set to redefine modern workspace and create a vibrant new work, retail and entertainment precinct. Inspired by the international concept of a ‘vertical village’, Bennetts Lane will deliver a unique mixed-use tower comprising two levels of retail and food and beverage (F&B) tenancies, co-working spaces, A-Grade office space and a function centre.

The site, on the corner of Little Lonsdale and Bennetts Lane, is currently being excavated by Extent Heritage, on behalf of Perri Projects and Pellicano, to uncover historical archaeological remains associated with the previous use and occupation of the site, dating back to the early years of nineteenth century Melbourne.

“There is a fascinating buried landscape underneath Melbourne that is slowly being revealed during archaeological excavations in the city,” Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, said. “This vital work by Perri Projects and Pellicano means we can uncover more about the history of Melbourne, and further ensure its bright future through confidence-inspiring development that will enhance the city landscape and create jobs.”

Perri Projects, Pellicano and Extent Heritage are working closely with Heritage Victoria, the Heritage Council and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Aboriginal Corporation, the Traditional Owners and the Registered Aboriginal Party of the land.

Extent Heritage’s Chief Executive Officer, Ian Travers, said the Bennetts Lane excavation had primarily unearthed deposits and remains associated with mid-to-late nineteenth century terraces and cottages, including a range of nineteenth century artefacts.

“The current excavations will help to further our knowledge and understanding of former use and land management, along with the social and economic growth of a rapidly flourishing post-contact Melbourne,” Mr Travers said.

“This archaeological site is representative of a time when this part of Melbourne was one of the roughest and toughest areas in the city. Yet, for the people living here, it was still a place to call home with the buildings on this site offering rental accommodation to some of Melbourne’s poorest citizens.”

The excavations had also provided important new insights about traditional life on the landscape of Melbourne before colonisation.

“An important component of our work has included an archaeological investigation to identify any buried Aboriginal cultural deposits that may exist underneath the historical colonial period evidence of occupation and use,” Mr Travers said. “This time capsule contains an important cultural record of the hundreds of generations of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people who lived along the creek valleys and on the gently sloping ground to the north of the Birrarung, now known as the Yarra River.”

Perri Projects and Pellicano will incorporate newly discovered artifacts and re-purpose and re-use some of the bluestone and brick materials salvaged during the excavation within the new Bennetts Lane project.

Bennetts Lane will also incorporate several parts of retained heritage from the original site, including a corner building at Little Lonsdale and Davisons Place, salvaged timber from the demolished buildings and preserved or rebuilt facades on Bennett’s Lane. 

“The project has also been designed to respect and respond to the heritage of the wider precinct, including the Wesley Church directly across the road,” David Scalzo, Managing Director of Perri Projects, said. “We are also exploring the opportunity to reintroduce live music to the precinct, a part of Melbourne’s modern cultural heritage and hope to have more to say on this soon. The end result will be a rich and a layered corner of the CBD.

“Sharing a commitment to meaningful design and development, Perri Projects and Pellicano are proud to positively contribute to our diverse city and enhance the experiences of its people. Bennetts Lane will be a landmark project that will build on and retain the character and history of some of the city’s oldest buildings whilst creating a vibrant new place for Victorians to work and play.”

The north-east corner of the CBD is undergoing a significant revitalisation, as demonstrated by a number of projects surrounding Bennetts Lane such as Charter Hall’s Wesley Place, the Shangri La Hotel and Sapphire by the Gardens and major residential and student accommodation on La Trobe Street.

“Not only will Bennetts Lane offer a new commercial office product for Melbourne’s next generation of forward-thinking businesses, it will be the keystone for the rebirth of this once forgotten corner of the city that is now roaring back to life,” Renato Pellicano, Managing Director of Pellicano said. “Fusing old and new, this project will revive Melbourne’s vibrant past and bring style and spirit back to this historically significant streetscape. We are proud to celebrate the new life of this historic laneway with the finest retail and hospitality that offers a slice of something different.”