Temporary CBD outdoor dining spaces installed in Sturt and Armstrong Streets will be removed this week but will be replaced by smaller infrastructure such as glass wind barriers and umbrella sockets at hospitality businesses across Ballarat.
The temporary cubes, funded through the Victorian Government's $500,000 Outdoor Dining and Entertainment Package, were installed in January to assist hospitality providers expand their dining footprint in line with COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney has acknowledged the temporary structures created a new vibrancy in Ballarat's CBD and the opportunity for residents and visitors to trial a unique dining experience.
The City of Ballarat is seeking feedback from both the community and businesses to determine people's opinions on the dining hubs, and to better understand ideas for future outdoor dining options in Ballarat through the Outdoor Dining Community Consultation Survey which closes Friday, April 16. The City will review all feedback once the consultation is complete.
Whilst Ballarat might be farewelling the distinctive dining cubes, the City is preparing to introduce new outdoor dining spaces in Ballarat.
The government's Outdoor Dining and Entertainment Package is also funding the installation of smaller infrastructure such as glass wind barriers and umbrella sockets at hospitality venues across Ballarat.
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison said the small infrastructure grants would help local operators to offer innovative and practical outdoor dining options throughout the cooler months.
Council's Economic Development team is working with operators who successfully applied for the grants to roll out the new infrastructure in coming months.
