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Equitable Place

Equitable Place is located between Queen and Elizabeth streets, extending from Collins to Little Collins streets. It also has a dead-end section extending to the east towards the Collins Street end. Equitable Lane was named after the Equitable Life Assurance Buildings which were located on the corner of Elizabeth and Collins streets. These buildings were built by David Mitchell, the father of opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. In addition to the location of the Equitable Buildings on the east side of Equitable Place, several other businesses were located here. In 1895, the Watermans Arms Hotel at 353 Little Collins Street had a back entrance on the west side of Equitable Place. Other businesses located on this lane in 1920 included the Whitehead Company, and the Dean W. G. Company, selling oil, colour, paperhanging, and glass, situated on the west side.

Alexandra Gerner

References
Sands & McDougall’s commercial and general Melbourne directory, Sands & McDougall, Melbourne, 1892. Details
Sands & McDougall’s commercial and general Melbourne directory, Sands & McDougall, Melbourne, 1930. Details
Amendment C105 - CBD Laneways Review, City of Melbourne, 2007, http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=195&pg=3065&bp=1902&coll=8. Details
MMBW Detail Plan, 1011, City of Melbourne, 1895; MMBW Melbourne Sewerage Plans 1890s - 1950s; State Library of Victoria. Details