It's a problem the ACT Government and Canberra CBD Limited say they are determined to fix.

The Government has financed a $100,000 planning study for the two buildings. It's also promising $2 million a year initially to start an upgrade of the surrounding ''public domain'' including new paving and street furniture.

The planning study is being managed by Canberra CBD Limited, the not-for-profit company which administers the marketing and improvements levy for the city. It is accepting submissions until April 30 from prospective consultants.

ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said the planning study would look specifically at allowing some of the laneways around the buildings to accommodate Melbourne-style cafes and bars.

''It'll look at how we might revitalise those buildings and essentially reshape their future,'' he said.

''There is a real interest in the sorts of planning outcomes that have been achieved in the CBD of Melbourne, particularly, where lanes have been very successfully re-adapted.''

Canberra CBD Limited chief executive Linda Staite said the successful consultant would also have a wider brief to look at everything from working out what to do with the garbage in the back lanes to exploring possible incentives for property owners to upgrade their section of the building, such as a rates rebate.

The possibility of more seven-days-a-week retailers going in to the buildings would also be considered, especially when many areas were shut during the day because they accommodated nightclubs.

Ms Staite said the Melbourne and Sydney buildings were vital to Civic.

''I think they need to come alive, they need to have people walking around them. Retailers that are open during the day. There's nothing wrong with the nightclubs operating at night, but you'd like the shopfronts to be operating during the day.''

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times