Permanent bench seating, synthetic turf and raised garden beds with edible plants are being added to key Warrnambool laneways to make them more inviting places to spend time.
Liebig Lane, Timor Walk and Little Liebig, all of which branch off from the Ozone carpark, are benefiting from the $50,000 upgrade which will also include the addition of bollards with power points to assist with events and other activations.
Council was the recipient of a grant to cover the cost of the project via the Victorian Government's Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Fund.
Council is also using funding from this grant to waive registration fees for food and accommodation businesses for the over the 2020-2021 financial year, saving about 400 businesses a combined $140,000.
Warrnambool City Council Director City Growth Andrew Paton said that the aim was to help make better use of Warrnambool's laneways, especially at a time when outdoor dining was in high demand.
"The city's laneways are such a tremendous asset and a key component of our 21st century city centre," he said.
"While more outdoor dining options are certainly welcome additions for local restaurants and cafes right now, even without COVID-19, people still like to sit outside in nice spaces.
"Over the past decade we've seen the city's laneways transformed by street art, and this is the next step in making them better places to spend time.
"It will take time for the local economy to recover from COVID-19, and making the city centre a more inviting place for everyone is part of that long-term recovery process.
"I'd like to thank the Victorian Government for their support, as well as everyone involved in the planning and delivery of this project."
