Esplanade cocktail bar application for parklet approved unanimously

After attracting more than 900 supporters, a popular waterfront cocktail bar and restaurant has been given the green light for an outdoor dining bid.

Timo van Hest and Neil Yates of Bar Soma had their parklet application approved by council.

More alfresco dining is coming to the esplanade with a Scarness cocktail bar’s application receiving the tick from Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Councillors at the Wednesday meeting approved for chief executive officer Ken Diehm to negotiate a parklet permit with Bar Soma owners Timo Van Hess and Neil Yates.

About 900 people signed a petition in support of the proposal and a detailed car parking survey of the area.

The Fraser Coast currently has two parklets, one at Maddigans Seafood also on The Esplanade and another at Toast on Bazaar Street, Maryborough.

The render of what Bar Soma hope the parklet, if approved, would look like.

Scarness cocktail bar Soma pushes for parklet

A parklet is a small public space created by converting part of a street or car park into an area for

people to gather, relax and engage in activities such as outdoor dining.

“Parklets provide a range of benefits including increased foot traffic, economic boosts for businesses, a sense of place and vibrancy in the community and encourage people to stay longer in an area,” Mayor George Seymour said.

“This will allow Bar Soma to provide more outside dining options for their customers and potentially

allow them to increase their operating hours in the future.”

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While fully funded by Bar Soma, the general public will also be able to use it outside its business hours.

Division 4 councillor Daniel Sanderson said a working group would develop a parklet policy and guidelines, and consider acceptable locations for installing parklets.

“Evidence from across the country suggests parklets successfully activate, connect and promote inclusive community spaces,” he said.

“It’s all about building better communities together.”