Swan Hill Rural City Council is now taking applications from local businesses under a new outdoor dining Parklet Program.
Swan Hill Rural City Council Director Development and Planning, Heather Green said Council was delighted to be now taking applications from local businesses.
“The Parklet program is one exciting way to expand street life activities,” she said.
Ms Green said a Parklet is the re-purposing of parking bays outside a hospitality business, in the interest of increasing footpath trading and providing a safe, socially distanced environment for patrons.
“By increasing trading areas our local hospitality businesses will be able to increase trade as well as ensure social distancing regulations are upheld,” she added.
Ms Green said Council has received great feedback following recent consultation regarding the Parklet initiative.
“We were delighted to see so much positivity from the community regarding our Parklet Program – it is great to have some excitement back,” she said.
Ms Green said that local businesses can now apply to Council for a Parklet or additional outdoor furniture – at no cost to them.
“There is no fee for obtaining a Parklet for extending outdoor dining areas. This will be covered by the Victorian Government’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package.
“Businesses that are successful in their Parklet application will just need to cover the costs of furnishing their Parklet,” Ms Green said.
Ms Green said Parklets are currently available subject to conditions and a demonstrated need and they will be provided free of charge until April 2021.
