Outdoor pilot program returns at The Beach Hotel

PATRONS of The Beach Hotel in Jan Juc can again enjoy a meal and drinks in the sunshine, thanks to the transformation of four kerbside car parks.

Last Friday, the Surf Coast Shire’s Parklet Pilot Program began at the venue, activating the streetscape and encouraging neighborhood interaction.

An outdoor parklet space was used during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic outside The Beach Hotel but was removed in October 2022 in line with the dropping of statewide outdoor dining restrictions.

Community members launched a petition to restore the space in February 2023, gaining 1,100 signatures in the process.

Councillors endorsed the implementation of an outdoor parklet at the site in October 2023 after consultation with local residents and user groups.

Shire mayor Liz Pattison said Jan Juc’s parklet pilot will support healthy, connected communities.

“Bringing parking spaces alive, and transforming them into bustling, busy, and vibrant outdoor dining spaces is such a great way to create atmosphere on the coast,” Cr Pattison said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how the pilot goes and Council to continue supporting the local economy by helping facilitate innovative programs like this.

If the feedback is fantastic, that’s when we look at the project on a larger scale and consider introducing similar parklet programs across the Shire.”

The Beach Hotel has entered a licence agreement which covers amenity, insurance, safety, and accessibility requirements, and has also met relevant planning requirements.

Hotel owner Jamie Collins said he was rapt to have the outdoor space reinstated.

“We are really happy to have it back. It just brings an amazing vibe with it and has a great pulse.

“We’ve done a lot of work with the council to get it back over the past nine months. We thank them for their support.

“Hopefully it [the parklet program] is successful and it can become a regular thing each summer for us.”

The Pilot Program will run until the end of daylight savings (April 8).

To have your say on Jan Juc’s Parklet Pilot Program, head to yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/parklet