Geelong council seeks feedback on plan to create alfresco dining parklets in Yarra St, Union St and Pakington St

A dozen outdoor dining “parklets” will be created in three Geelong hospitality precincts under plans being developed by the Geelong council.

A dozen outdoor dining “parklets” will be created in three Geelong hospitality precincts under plans being developed by the Geelong council.

Seven parklets are proposed for Geelong West with concept plans showing 12 parking spaces in Pakington St will be lost, and two loading bays removed, to make way for al fresco dining areas.

The council is also proposing to create three parklets in Yarra St, at the expense of five carparking places, with a further two parklets earmarked for Union St involving the loss of three carparking spaces and the relocation of a loading zone.

The City of Greater Geelong is hoping to begin a trial of the parklets, intended to enhance outdoor dining options during COVID-19, in March.

The city has received $500,000 from the State Government to develop al fresco initiatives and is currently trialling the concept in Ocean Grove in a move that has divided businesses owners in the Terrace.

The hospitality industry has been hard hit by antivirus restrictions but at the moment they can have 25 customers before being restricted to one person per 2 square metres.

Plans for the trial have been shared with nearby businesses in the streets and the council is now inviting feedback from the public.

Geelong councillor Kylie Grzybek, who holds the planning portfolio, said the project was one of the ways the council was assisting businesses through the pandemic.

“The parklet project aims to create an environment that attracts visitors and encourages them to spend time in the precinct; to eat, drink, socialise and shop,” Cr Grzybek said.

“We invite traders and members of the community to view the concept plans and provide their feedback on them by 12 February.”

If the decision is made to create the parklets, they will be in place for three months before any determination to continue past the trial period.

The concept plans can be viewed at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au

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Originally published as Geelong council seeks feedback on plan to create alfresco dining parklets in Yarra St, Union St and Pakington St