Little Malop Street's pedestrian-friendly laneway culture will continue with automated bollards set to stay.
Safety and opportunity were key to council's decision last night to make the automated bollards at Dennys Place a permanent feature of the vibrant central Geelong precinct after they were first installed in 2023.
This allows for more outdoor dining, pop-up events and economic activity between Moorabool Street and Shorts Place, just as it was used recently by the Tastes of Winter Festival and ROAM.
Under the continued conditions, access beyond the retractable bollards between 10am and 4am will be restricted to essential vehicles only, including emergency services and authorised traders.
The decision follows extensive business and community engagement and is supported by the Department of Transport. Consistent monitoring of the precinct also occurred from July 2024 to July 2025, which included the successful Summer in the Laneway outdoor dining trial from December to March.
Data showed increased pedestrian activity and decreased vehicle numbers, while logs between August 2024 and April 2025 found 85 per cent of vehicle entries could be reduced. For this reason, the City will work collaboratively with stakeholders to minimise all unnecessary vehicle entries and further understand trader access requirements.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The bollards are doing exactly what the community hoped, by making it easier and safer to walk, dine and gather in the heart of the city. Laneway dining is now part of Little Malop Street's DNA. This decision means it can continue being that place you wander into and instantly feel you've arrived somewhere safe, lively and full of character.
Councillor Eddy Kontelj, Chair of the Arts & Culture, Hospitality & Live Entertainment portfolio
Making traffic control permanent provides certainty to tenants, customers and pedestrians about what the future of the street looks like. It should give confidence to keep investing, keep making bold plans, and keep coming back.
Chris King, owner Astray Bar
By reducing cars, we've created a more relaxed, lively atmosphere for alfresco dining. It's important that people feel they're enjoying the laneway experience, and not dining on the roadside.
Brian Anderson, owner Bahjong
There is a peace of mind when dining outdoors, people feel safe and overall the experience is better. There's a new energy on the street, more families, more excitement.
The full Little Malop Street - Automated Bollard Trial Report is available in the October council meeting agenda .
