Outdoor dining in parks, on the footpath on cards for Frankston as hospo heads prepare for life post lockdown
We may still be suffering under a strict lockdown but plans are already being made to help Frankston traders bounce back once restrictions ease. And it looks like being a big win for fans of outdoor dining.
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Parks and footpaths could be opened up to make way for outdoor dining in Frankston as the region gears up for life after strict lockdown.
And live music and park activations could hit suburb’s courtyards and public spaces as Frankston City Council tosses up ideas in support of restaurateurs as they hope to open up next month.
Stage 2 restrictions — where hungry residents will be able to dine outdoors — will come into place if there are fewer than five daily average coronavirus cases, three with an unknown source, for at least two weeks after September 28.
Only 10 people will be permitted per group with table spacing of 1.5m, with density, signage, cleaning and record-keeping requirements applied.
Stage 1 — where cafes will open their indoor areas for the first time — will come into play if there are no new cases for two weeks straight after Stage 2.
There will be a limit on how many people can be in each indoor and outdoor space, with density limits to be announced by the State Government.
“We are committed to working with traders to help identify locations for enhanced outdoor dining options. Parks, footpaths, courtyards, and public spaces are all potential places that are being considered to host outdoor events or dining,” the council’s chief executive, Phil Cantillon, said.
Council communities director Dr Gillian Kay said the State Government boost was vital to Frankston’s 650 plus food and drink vendors and 2800 plus employees, which fuel an annual turnover of more than $345 million.
The council confirmed the cash would help with a streamlined permit, enforcement and monitoring processes.
Parking fees for the first two hours in its off-street car parks will be wiped to encourage locals to venture back into the buzzing central hub.
“We are determined to do everything we can to support hospitality businesses to reactivate,”
Dr Kay said.
“Locals can’t wait to get back to their favourite eatery and neither can we. That’s why our officers are working with local businesses to ensure they have the ability to trade once the current restrictions are eased.
“We will be working with businesses to discuss the provision of additional outdoor space where practical.”
It comes after the council splashed cash to businesses in May in a bid to create and improve kerbside dining areas and revitalise shop frontage to increase street appeal.
Kerbside dining encouragement grants of up to $2000 and facade improvement boosts up
to $5000 were available.
Eeny Meeny cafe co-owner Robert Wright said he would be trilled to reopen his Young St coffee shop when restrictions ease.
“Our customers are like part of our family. We’ve been in business for eight years and we have a connected and committed community of customers,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to reconnecting with our loyal customers.”
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au
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