Ford Lane Transformation Project
Burwood Council is reimagining Ford Lane as a vibrant and welcoming public space through a major transformation project that celebrates the area’s rich musical heritage and creative identity.
Nestled between Burleigh Street and Burwood Road, right off Railway PDE, Ford Lane is being transformed into an urban cultural corridor—featuring five new public murals and three integrated lighting installations along with power supply for events and removable traffic bollards to pedestrianise the space for pop-up events.
A Celebration of Sound, Light and Local Stories
Inspired by Burwood’s deep connections to Australia’s music scene—from AC/DC’s early days to emerging K-pop, hip-hop and local talents—each of the commissioned artworks explores the themes of sound, movement and creative identity. Together, they tell a story of Burwood’s past, present and future.
The Artworks
Site 1 – DREZ
Photo: Studio Drez
Chromatic Pulse
The first Drez artwork in Sydney, this piece is a geometric, site-specific work that wraps seamlessly around the entire building transforming it into a cohesive immersive visual experience. Uninterrupted horizontal and vertical lines flow across all elevations, integrating with the structure rather than imposing upon it. The composition embraces the building’s geometry, creating a visually balanced form that alters the viewer’s perception of the architecture. Drez reorients the building’s focal point from its front facade to the corner of Railway Parade and Ford Lane. This shift invites new modes of public engagement, with the mural gradually revealing itself to laneway visitors and passing train commuters, offering a layered and dynamic encounter.
A red to deep purple gradient pays homage to Burwood’s deep cultural ties to AC/DC, echoing the band’s iconic visual language and anchoring the work in local identity.
Site 2 – Jason Parker
Jason Parker’s detailed portrait mural features K-pop group 1300 (ONE- THREE - HUNDRED) alongside rising local star musician That Gurl Bella. Bella is also featured sitting at a piano and guitar supplied in the photoshoot from Logans Pianos on Burwood Road, Sydney's oldest independent musical instrument shop. The guitar featured is a Gibson GS which is the guitar most commonly used by AC/DC lead singer Angus Young. Incorporating lush florals, chosen by the sitters depicted which represents their cultural backgrounds, and Stylised with fireworks, the work celebrates Burwood’s dynamic youth culture and musical talent.
Site 3 – Georgia Hill
Georgia Hill’s monochrome typographic mural, created in consultation with property owner Burwood Chinatown, reads: “I’m so happy I found you here. Night Light. This Sound.” A poetic reflection on place and memory, the design connects people and sound through bold, urban lettering.
Site 4 – Studio OKTO
Studio OKTO’s mural is a joyful, playful illustration of two children with radio and boombox heads holding hands beneath a vinyl sun. The work is framed with floral and swirling motifs, referencing connection, community and the universality of music.
Site 5 – Eve Bracewell
Flow State
Eve Bracewell’s mural responds to the movement and rhythm of the site itself—textured walls, roller shutters, and pedestrian flow. Inspired by a local dancer, the work channels movement, sound and flow through expressive mark-making and bold lines, referencing the idea of “electric lanes.”
Lighting Installations
In addition to the artworks, three permanent lighting installations have been integrated into the design of the lane. These elements support safer nighttime access and enhance the murals with new vibrancy after dark, contributing to the precinct’s emerging cultural life.
Photos will be updated as the project reaches completion.
What's Next: Fridays at Ford
The Ford Lane Transformation is just the beginning. This spring, Burwood Council will launch Fridays at Ford—a regular live music and cultural activation series held on the last Friday of each month, featuring local performers and creative pop-ups in the lane.
This project is proudly supported by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program and the Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program as part of the Vibrant Streets Package, led by Transport for NSW.
