Local hospitality businesses can express their interest in applying for a parklet: an outdoor dining area that transforms kerbside parking into vibrant community spaces.
Surf Coast Shire Council decided at its July Council meeting to adopt the outdoor dining parklet guidelines and incorporate them into the Local Law.
It follows a successful Parklet Pilot at Jan Juc's The Beach Hotel which welcomed positive feedback – 97% of respondents in a 185-response survey were in favour of the parklet.
With parklets now able to be installed across the shire, local businesses are invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to apply for a permit.
There are various requirements to meet to be eligible for a permit. These include location, design, setbacks, insurance, waste management and maintenance requirements. Parklets will be considered in conjunction with Council's Footpath Trading Policy.
"It's great to see how this initiative progressed," Mayor Liz Pattison said. "Initially it was a Fresh Air Dining Program, launched to support hospitality businesses navigating density limit restrictions during the pandemic. It had such a positive impact in Jan Juc, that community members campaigned for it to be introduced permanently."
Parklets use on-street parking zones adjacent to hospitality businesses. They transform kerbside parking into vibrant community spaces, offering public seating and opportunities for street dining or green spaces.
The newly-adopted outdoor dining guidelines seek to ensure that parklet designs are sensitive to any amenity and environmental concerns; foster an accessible and inclusive community; and support local businesses.
"I loved the sense of community that the Jan Juc parklet created, and I look forward to seeing more pop up," Mayor Pattison said.
"Extended outdoor dining has the potential to increase the time spent in the area, subsequent spend, financial viability of the business, and may encourage more slow tourism where visitors linger.
"I encourage any interested local hospitality businesses to submit an EOI for a parklet so our Business team can check their eligibility."
To learn more and submit an expression of interest, visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/parkletpermit.
