Croydon Main Street traders look to boost outdoor dining, use Croydon Town Square in summer
It’s been the butt of some jokes in Melbourne’s outer east for its vibe and atmosphere, but this Croydon shopping strip could be transformed into the region’s dining hotspot of the summer.
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Croydon’s town square could be used for outdoor dining in an effort to reinvigorate the town’s main’s shopping strip this summer.
And a handful of parking spaces could be removed outside cafes and eateries in Croydon Main Street so they can expand their trading space.
The street’s traders association is keen to explore options to boost outdoor dining following the State Government’s funding announcement earlier this month.
It included an $87.5 million package for councils outside the CBD to make the transition to outdoor dining, which would allow traders to buy tables, plastic screens, umbrellas and other items.
Maroondah director of strategy and community Phil Turner said the council would apply for $500,000 from the package, the maximum which each council can seek.
Mr Turner said the council would consult with businesses and trader associations across Maroondah on how the funding can best be used.
He said it had also encouraged businesses to apply for up to $5000 to spend on practical items for outdoor dining.
Croydon Main Street Traders Association president Andrew King said he wanted the strip to become “the dining capital of the eastern suburbs”.
Mr King said while no ideas had been explored in detail, the association and its food retailers were keen to take advantage of the Government’s funding.
“We are surveying our food outlets, takeaway shops and restaurants to see if they can expand their outdoor dining,” he said.
“Getting people back in the street and back shopping at our retailers is what we need … and Croydon is well set up for that.”
Mr King said using space in Croydon Town Square would be beneficial for traders if it was allowed.
He said taking away parking spots on the strip for outdoor dining could also work if it didn’t frustrate visitors.
“We wouldn’t like to loose too much of our parking because that’s important, but with consultation with council, some adjustments could be made,” he said.
Happy Days Donuts co-owner Marcus Sampson said he supported any initiatives which boosted outdoor dining in the precinct.
“There’s definitely no harm doing it, people want to get out and about and Croydon’s got heaps of shops and cafes, so its worth a go,” he said.
“It might just offer another facet to dining in general in Croydon, and the weather’s really good in summer, so why not showcase it.”
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