A successful Parklet Pilot at Jan Juc's The Beach Hotel has paved the way for Surf Coast Shire Council to formalise the process to roll out the outdoor dining initiative across the shire.
Submissions are invited on the draft outdoor parklet dining guidelines and a proposed Local Law amendment, both endorsed at the May Council meeting.
Mayor Liz Pattison said it was another opportunity for people to provide input, following a Parklet Pilot survey which attracted 185 responses.
"Thank you to the locals and visitors who had their say on The Beach Hotel parklet, which ran from mid-January to early April," she said.
"The pub transformed three kerbside car parks into a 'parklet' - an outdoor dining area. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of respondents in favour of the parklet.
"Respondents highlighted it was a great spot to meet friends in the Jan Juc Village and also indicated they'd be eager to use parklets shire-wide. Personally I noticed the parklet created a real buzz and sense of community."
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 incorporation of outdoor dining parklet guidelines into the Local Law will enable Council to support parklets being installed across the shire.
"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," Mayor Pattison said.
The pilot survey had three submissions which noted concerns of the loss of three car parking spaces. As a result, Council installed two additional parking bays in Jan Juc Village.
The draft 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.
Submissions on the draft guidelines and proposed Local Law amendment close Wednesday 26 June at 5pm. To view the draft guidelines and amendment and to make a submission, visit yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Parklet.
If the guidelines are adopted and incorporated into the Local Law, hospitality businesses will be invited to express their interest in applying for a parklet. There are various requirements to meet to be eligible for a permit. These include location, design, setbacks, insurance, waste management and maintenance requirements. Parklets would be considered in conjunction with Council's Footpath Trading Policy.
