Surf Coast outdoor dining pilot scheme kicks off at Jan Juc’s Beach Hotel

A Jan Juc pub has expanded its outdoor dining space thanks to a new pilot program run by the Surf Coast Shire.

From Parking to Parmis! Parklet suppoer supporter Frankie Kaye of Swell Cafe and Beach Hotel supervisor Paul Wilkins with happy alfresco customers. Surf Coast Shire Councils Parklet Pilot Program has begun at the Beach Hotel in Jan Juc. Picture: Alan Barber

A Jan Juc pub has expanded its outdoor dining space thanks to a new pilot program that hopes to transform hospitality offerings during the summer months on the Surf Coast.

The Beach Hotel on Stuart Ave is a part of the Surf Coast Shire’s Parklet Pilot Program, which kicked off last week.

Publican Jamie Collins said three parking spaces were being used for outdoor dining which could seat up to 30 people.

The parklets were first installed during Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, as part of the council’s fresh air dining program to help venues stay open.

From Parking to Parmis! Parklet suppoer supporter Frankie Kaye of Swell Cafe and Beach Hotel supervisor Paul Wilkins. Surf Coast Shire Council’s Parklet Pilot Program has begun at the Beach Hotel in Jan Juc. Picture: Alan Barber

Mr Collins said his pub would have not survived the pandemic without the parklet program.

Once the program ended the parklets were removed, but there were calls to find a permanent solution for outdoor dining at the venue.

A community petition was launched which garnered more than 1400 signatures.

“There was a lot of support for it,” Mr Collins said.

The pilot was given the green light by the shire in October last year.

If successful, Mr Collins hopes the parklets will be used during the peak tourist period from December to March each year.

“The council has been really proactive in working with us,” he said.

“It has taken a lot of people behind the scenes to get this to the pilot program.”

Mayor Liz Pattison encouraged residents and tourists to give their feedback on the pilot program, which would be used to determine potential for the program to expand.

“If the feedback is fantastic, that’s when we (can) look at the project on a larger scale and consider introducing similar parklet programs across the shire,” she said.

Ms Pattison said the program was a part of the council’s plan to support a community.

“Bringing parking spaces alive, and transforming them into bustling, busy, and vibrant outdoor dining spaces is such a great way to create atmosphere on the coast,” she said.

The program will run until the end of daylight savings on April 8.

Locals can have their say on the pilot program and the future of parklets on the Surf Coast at yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/parklet.

Originally published as Surf Coast outdoor dining pilot scheme kicks off at Jan Juc’s Beach Hotel