Geelong gets a taste of new outdoor dining options

THE City of Greater Geelong has this week established three more outdoor dining settings across Geelong’s prominent hospitality precincts.

In late January, proposals were made public for outdoor dining activations across Pakington, Union and Yarra streets.

All three locations received strong support from local traders and community members with submissions ranging from 65 per cent positive for Pakington Street to 98 per cent positive at Union Street.

The project is funded through the state government’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package and will be in addition to the Ocean Grove trial which has been running since December.

The introduction of the concept has seen the Greater Geelong region experience an outdoor dining boom, with council approving more than 60 temporary alfresco styled permits in the last six months.

As part of the packages, the shopping precincts will receive additional footpath space, plants, greenery and outdoor furniture.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher has called the timing opportunistic with the number of office workers now returning to the CBD.

“The creation of outdoor dining areas in Union and Yarra streets will help traders attract and retain a growing number of workers and visitors to the CBD,” she said.

“While the addition of eight new al fresco sections on ‘Pako’ will enhance the street’s atmosphere and create more reasons for people to eat, drink, shop and socialise.”

The three-month initiative is designed to support businesses by increasing trade to maximise their economic recovery.

The first activation is still in place at The Terrace, Ocean Grove, and has been extended until April to cater to the anticipated influx of visitors over Easter and the school holidays.

A series of reviews will be conducted ahead of June 22 to decide if the newest additions to this initiative will be extended past the three-month period.