Local traders, residents and the community are invited to provide feedback on proposed trials of new outdoor dining spaces in three hospitality precincts.
Pakington Street (Geelong West), Yarra Street (Geelong) and Union Street (Geelong) have been identified as potential sites for expanded al fresco dining and streetscape activations, in line with an emphasis on delivering enhanced outdoor dining options during COVID-19.
The City has developed concept plans for the trial initiatives, which have been shared with nearby businesses in the streets.
The City is now seeking public input into the plans via www.yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au, ahead of the potential installation of the 'parklet' outdoor dining spaces in March.
The initiative provides safe new public areas with accessible outdoor seating for hospitality providers to expand their outdoor service, street greening and additional footpath space.
Councillor Kylie Grzybek, Planning portfolio Chair, said the project was one of the ways that Council was assisting businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Council has developed a detailed range of direct support measures to help businesses navigate this highly challenging period," Cr Grzybek said.
"This includes business recovery grants, the waiving of rates and major fees, and tourism and visitor campaigns.
"The parklet project aims to create an environment that attracts visitors and encourages them to spend time in the precinct; to eat, drink, socialise and shop.
"We invite traders and members of the community to view the concept plans and provide their feedback on them by 12 February."
The first three-month trial of the parklets is taking place in The Terrace, Ocean Grove, where 97 open air seats have been added.
Funding to support the rollout in multiple precincts has been provided by the Victorian Government's Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package.
The hospitality industry has embraced outdoor dining service during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the City approving more than 50 temporary permits for new or extended al fresco areas in recent months.
Concept plans for the three new parklet projects can be viewed at www.yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au
If the decision is made to create the parklets, they would be in place for a three-month trial.
The City would then monitor the impacts of the activation and gain feedback from traders and the community to determine whether the initiative should continue past the trial period.
The potential for parklets to be trialled in other areas of the municipality is also being evaluated.
