We’re expanding the outdoor dining area on Little Malop Street to support local businesses, create a more vibrant culture, attract more visitors and improve the street’s character.
At the moment, vehicles are restricted by automated bollards on Little Malop Street between Dennys Place and Shorts Place as part of a trial to make this popular laneway safer for pedestrians.
We are starting a new trial today that sees 14 businesses within this vehicle restricted area able to extend their outdoor dining zone between their façade and existing alfresco area. Pedestrians retain access to the central shared zone.
The Summer in the Laneways – Little Malop Street West Outdoor Dining Trial launches in time for the warm weather and Christmas in Geelong. It is proposed to end on Tuesday 11 March 2025 (Labour Day weekend).
Traders will have the opportunity to test numerous outdoor dining settings, further activating central Geelong during the summer by creating different, attractive and pedestrian friendly experiences.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj
The trial stretches 56 metres and 14 businesses have received an invitation to participate in the trial, with in-principle support from stakeholders.
We’re excited to take advantage of summer trading and the Christmas period with this new trial that’s aimed at enhancing the laneway’s culture and giving local businesses a boost.
We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this trial, which is in response to trader’s requests to increase their alfresco areas.
Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson
The Little Malop West End is a special precinct with delicious food and drink, interesting shops and galleries, and colourful street art.
We recognise that this laneway is distinctive and a real favourite among visitors, and that more can be done for the space to reach its full potential.
The City team has an action plan in place to ensure the trial is continually monitored.
We are also inviting feedback from visitors to this area on our Have Your Say page.
When the trial ends, a review will be carried out and reported to the new Council together with the review of the restricted access trial.
The review will provide recommendations on whether the trials should be made permanent and how they would work.
