THE automated bollards on Little Malop Street installed in 2023 will become a permanent fixture, with the City of Greater Geelong council voting to leave them in place to support the area’s pedestrian-friendly laneway culture.<\/p>\n
This will allow for more outdoor dining and pop-up events between Moorabool Street and Shorts Place, such as the recent Tastes of Winter Festival and ROAM events.<\/p>\n
Under the continued conditions, access beyond the retractable bollards between 10am and 4am will be restricted to essential vehicles only, including emergency services and authorised traders.<\/p>\n
The decision follows extensive business and community engagement and is supported by the Department of Transport.<\/p>\n
The precinct was also monitored from July 2024 to July 2025, which included the successful Summer in the Laneway outdoor dining trial from December to March.<\/p>\n
Data showed increased pedestrian activity and decreased vehicle numbers, while logs between August 2024 and April 2025 found 85 per cent of vehicle entries could be reduced.<\/p>\n
The City will now work collaboratively with stakeholders to minimise all unnecessary vehicle entries and further understand trader access requirements.<\/p>\n
Traders in Little Malop Street have welcomed the bollards staying in place.<\/p>\n
Astray Bar owner Chris King said the decision supported the experience on the ground.<\/p>\n
“By reducing cars, we’ve created a more relaxed, lively atmosphere for alfresco dining,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It’s important that people feel they’re enjoying the laneway experience, and not dining on the roadside.”<\/p>\n
Brian Anderson of Bahjong is looking forward to a bumper festive season solidified by safety measures.<\/p>\n
“There is a peace of mind when dining outdoors, people feel safe and overall the experience is better,” he said.<\/p>\n
“There’s a new energy on the street, more families, more excitement.”<\/p>\n
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said locking in the arrangement gave traders, event organisers and patrons the green light to grow and enjoy the precinct.<\/p>\n
“The bollards are doing exactly what the community hoped, by making it easier and safer to walk, dine and gather in the heart of the city,” Cr Kontelj said.<\/p>\n
“Laneway dining is now part of Little Malop Street’s DNA.<\/p>\n
“This decision means it can continue being that place you wander into and instantly feel you’ve arrived somewhere safe, lively and full of character.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE automated bollards on Little Malop Street installed in 2023 will become a permanent fixture, with the City of Greater Geelong council voting to leave them in place to support the area’s pedestrian-friendly laneway culture. This will allow for more outdoor dining and pop-up events between Moorabool Street and Shorts Place, such as the recent […]<\/p>\n