Rye ready for outdoor dining

Mornington Peninsula Shire’s plan to help local businesses bounce back from lockdown will see Rye transformed for outdoor dining from next week until the end of January 2021.

Parking spaces in front of the shops along Point Nepean Road between Weir Street and Dundas Street will be closed to cars and opened for outdoor dining. The speed limit through Rye will be reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h.

The road will be narrowed to one lane in the direction heading towards Sorrento and a new temporary bicycle lane created.

One bus stop will be removed and passengers redirected to the next stop, which is just 200 metres away.

A total of 50 car spaces will be removed to accommodate outdoor dining, however these will be offset by the creation of 50 timed parking spaces on the foreshore. All day parking will remain at the pier and other foreshore parking.

To help traffic flow, smart parking is now being demonstrated in Rye, with signage alerting motorists to how many parking bays are available in each of the larger car parks around Rye.

Accessible car parking spaces for those with a disability will be relocated to spots close by.

This is a great opportunity to trial and evaluate the longer-term plans to reduce the influence of Point Nepean Road on the atmosphere and environment of Rye.

Elsewhere on the Peninsula, traffic management measures to accommodate outdoor dining are also now in place around Blairgowrie, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Rosebud and Sorrento. The changes mostly involve lowered speed limits, crucial to ensuring the safety of shoppers and diners.

Part of Main Street, Mornington, has been closed to traffic and opened up to pedestrians and cyclists to create more space for outdoor dining.

As noted by Mayor Councillor Despi O’Connor:

“The Shire has been working closely with local businesses in Rye to help them adapt to State Government regulations and trade in a COVID-safe manner over summer.”

“This a great opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the benefits of potential longer-term changes under the Rye Township Plan.

“We want Rye to thrive this summer while also maximising safety for local residents and visitors.”

“Our outdoor dining program is helping local businesses maximise their trading over the crucial summer period, while shoppers and diners are benefiting from being able to sit outdoors in a relaxed, inviting and COVID-safe atmosphere.

“In each township we’ve been mindful to ensure accessible parking for those with a disability or reduced mobility is a priority.”

“We will continue to work closely with local trader organisations and chambers of commerce to support local businesses and local jobs this coming summer.”