Views sought on parklet trial

AN OUTDOOR dining space in Jan Juc being used as a trial for a potential shire-wide rollout is ending this weekend, and the Surf Coast Shire is calling for feedback.

In November, the shire’s councillors endorsed the Parklet Pilot Program with The Beach Hotel, which transformed four kerbside car parks into a street hospitality space from mid-January until this Sunday, April 7.

Feedback from the trial will help inform whether a permanent parklet program and guidelines should be incorporated into the shire’s Local Law, so more of the outdoor dining spaces can be considered across the shire.

The parklet was originally opened under the shire’s Fresh Air Dining Program in 2020 as part of the COVID-19 response and closed in October 2022, but popular demand, including a 1,400-signature petition, led the shire to work towards possibly developing a more permanent policy about parklets.

At the time of the parklet’s opening in January, shire mayor Liz Pattison said community feedback was always important when it came to delivering and determining the success of a project.

“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.”

She said Jan Juc’s parklet pilot was part of the shire’s plan to 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

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

For more information or to give feedback about the parklet trial, head to yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/parklet