Yagan Square Laneway Upgrade
A vibrant urban parklet transforming an underutilised laneway into a green oasis and social destination in Perth’s CBD.
Located at the heart of Perth’s CBD, adjacent to the Horseshoe Bridge and Market Hall, the Yagan Square Laneway Upgrade revitalises a previously transient space into a welcoming urban parklet. The project connects Perth Train Station, the Busport, and the future ECU City Campus, creating a pedestrian-friendly corridor that balances movement with pause.
Deep Green was engaged as the principal landscape contractor to deliver the full scope of hard and soft landscape works, transforming the laneway into a resilient, functional, and visually engaging space. Lush planters, in-ground trees, festoon lighting, and custom-built seating were installed to accommodate a range of social interactions, from individual respite to group gatherings.
The design draws inspiration from the surrounding architectural language, using granite paving, Corten steel and black steel portal frames to ensure material continuity with Yagan Square. Wherever possible, existing site materials were reused, reducing waste and embodied carbon while supporting a sustainability-first approach.
Planting focuses on endemic Western Australian and shade-tolerant species, including deciduous trees to provide summer shade and winter solar access. Soil profiles, tailored media, and sub-surface irrigation were introduced to ensure long-term plant health and resilience in Perth’s urban microclimate.
Delivering the project within a live CBD environment required careful coordination and precision. Proximity to the PTA transport tunnel and underground infrastructure necessitated detailed engineering review, risk assessment, and staged construction. Pedestrian safety was maintained through strategic work staging, high-visibility barriers, and night-shift scheduling to minimise disruption to surrounding businesses and commuters.
The finished laneway now offers a high-quality public realm that encourages dwell time, social interaction, and active transport. Flexible F&B container spaces provide activation potential, while the green, shaded environment enhances Perth’s civic identity and public amenity.
Through careful construction, horticultural expertise, and collaborative engagement with DevelopmentWA, design teams, and city authorities, the Yagan Square Laneway Upgrade has become a benchmark in urban landscape construction Perth, demonstrating how functional infrastructure and high-quality landscaping can co-exist in dense city environments.
