On Tuesday 26 October, one of the outdoor community dining pods on the Alchester Village shopping strip was moved to a new home at Mountain Gate Shopping Centre in Boronia.
The pod, which was installed next to one of the cafes, had been vandalised on a number of occasions, and used to gain access to the shopping strip rooftop which poses safety risks. For public safety, we decided to relocate it as soon as possible.
These sheltered pods are not designed to be climbed on. The plastic Perspex that covers the wooden pod provides shelter, and it is very slippery. We advise our community against climbing the pods to prevent serious falls and injury. If we receive further reports about vandalism and misuse of these pods, we will reassess the location for our community’s safety.
There is a second pod, just a few metres away, near the play area which will stay on-site.
These popular outdoor pods were originally installed to help food businesses, especially take away shops, attract more customers, and encourage residents to buy locally.
We hope Mountain Gate shoppers enjoy using the re-located dining pod when they are out and about.
