Yarra City Council has extended its temporary outdoor dining program for existing parklet operators until the end of June 2022 to allow more time for businesses to transition to the permanent program.
Yarra's new permanent parklet policy which was adopted last October has enabled over 60 new businesses to apply for a parklet, while the extension will provide additional time for the remaining 90 temporary permit holders to transition across.
Council previously waived all fees associated with having a parklet since the temporary program commenced in October 2020 and will only introduce fees from July 1, 2022.
Under the new permanent program, businesses will be able to trade in approved on-street carparks across Yarra, however all parklets must adhere to the parklet policy endorsed by Council last October.
The program also includes options for either 6-month (summer) or 12-month permits, giving traders added flexibility.
Yarra Mayor Sophie Wade said Council had worked in partnership with community and local traders to develop a program and policy that would continue to meet the needs of local businesses and community well into the future.
"Our permanent parklet program represents a fundamental shift in how our streets and shopping and dining precincts operate, making them more vibrant and accessible."
"We have spoken to hundreds of businesses in Yarra who are excited the program is here to stay."
"Not only do parklets support businesses to increase their seating capacity, trade and revenue, but they continue to support the creation of local jobs," Mayor Wade said.
More than $2 million has been provided by Yarra City Council and the Victorian Government to support local businesses.
Since the temporary outdoor dining program was introduced, Yarra has created over 485 additional outdoor dining spaces including 150 new footpath trading areas, 200 extensions to existing footpath trading, 130 on-street parklets and 8 large-scale outdoor dining spaces created through road or laneway closures.
For more on our Parklet program and Policy, visit: Parklet program | Yarra City Council
