The Geelong council received strong public support for the initiative.
We’re loving Geelong’s foodie movement that’s just flourished in the last couple of years. From bar and restaurants to cafes and pop-ups, we’ve witnessed incredible things happening in Geelong’s food scene.
While COVID certainly stalled the hospitality sector for a lengthy period, there’s been several new ideas, concepts and businesses born from the need to adapt, and now the City of Geelong have one more with new outdoor dining spaces set to go ahead in three hospitality precincts.
The key takeaways
- New outdoor dining spaces have been approved for Geelong
- Car parking spaces will be removed to make way for parklets
- Infrastructure will be installed in the three new locations from this week
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Following the implementation of parklets in Ocean Grove (a move that has divided businesses owners in the Terrace), a dozen outdoor dining areas will be created in three Geelong hospitality precincts under plans by the Geelong council.
Having reached out to the community for feedback on the initiative back in January and being met with overwhelming support for the plans, The City will instal eight parklets in Geelong West, with 12 parking spaces in Pakington Street and two loading bays removed to make way for al fresco dining areas. The council will also create parklets in Yarra St and in Union Street.
The activations will provide accessible outdoor seating for hospitality providers to expand their outdoor service and cater to more customers for a three-month period. Additional plants, greenery and extra footpath space will also be a feature, injecting vibrancy back into the CBD.
This move comes as the city previously received $500,000 from the State Government to develop al fresco initiatives.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said it was an opportune time to expand outdoor dining in and around the CBD, following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the rise in employees returning to the office.
“The creation of outdoor dining areas in Union and Yarra streets will help traders attract and retain a growing number of workers and visitors to the CBD,” Mayor Asher said.
“While the addition of eight new al fresco sections on ‘Pako’ will enhance the street’s atmosphere and create more reasons for people to eat, drink, shop and socialise.”
The City will evaluate the impacts of the activations and gain feedback from traders and the community to determine if they will continue in any form beyond 22 June.
For more information, visit the Geelong Australia website.
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