The final installation stages of Cardinia Shire’s outdoor dining project are expected to be completed by this weekend.
The Parklet Project is a trial project aiming to increase the amount of outdoor dining space available to seated customers on Main Street in Pakenham and Lakeside Boulevard in Pakenham for a ‘COVIDSafe Summer’.
The additional ‘pop-up’ outdoor dining areas sit over on-street car parking spaces and are level with adjoining footpaths, effectively creating an additional footpath for tables and chairs.
The speed limits on both roads will be reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h.
Accessible car parking spaces have not been impacted by the outdoor dining project.
Local restaurants, cafes and pubs have been offered Victorian Government funding to help them reopen to alfresco diners.
Council sourced and purchased the products, designed the layout and arranged the installation at no cost to local businesses.
Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Councillor Brett Owen is excited to see the Parklet Project come to life.
“Local businesses have used the funding to purchase new items and equipment such as outdoor furniture, umbrellas, barriers, screens and marquees,” Cr Owen said.
“Our local businesses have been encouraged to maximise the use of land within their boundary as well as adjoining footpath areas as a priority.
“The use of car spaces may be considered in some instances, but we will always ensure that the safety of all is paramount.”
Council is also waiving outdoor dining permit fees for hospitality businesses until 30 June 2021.
The Parklet Project is being run as a trial project with an initial trial period of three months.
