The nights are warmer and the mood of people is a little brighter also – a good a reason as any to bring a touch of Europe to town. Following a decision from the Council, sections of Torquay’s Gilbert Street are set to be transformed into people-friendly piazza – complete with planter boxes, trees, seating, umbrellas and synthetic grass. The first closure will take place from Friday, November 28 (9 pm) to Sunday, November 30 (6 pm). The western end of Gilbert Street will be off limits to traffic from Pearl Street to the car park entrance opposite Point Danger Arcade. A little later down the track, the eastern end between The Esplanade and Cliff Street will be closed from 9 pm on Friday, December 19 to 6 pm on December 21. Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Margot Smith: “The initiative is intended to lift Gilbert Street’s profile as a vibrant retail precinct featuring a range of great places to shop, to eat at and to visit … We look forward to continuing to work with the traders over the coming weeks to ensure this initiative delivers the perfect lead-in to the festive season for businesses and patrons while better promoting Gilbert Street as a great place to shop and enjoy every day.”
