Hobart’s street-side dining initiative will be given a more permanent makeover, with the council approving the next stage of the project.
The outdoor seating spaces, which were initially launched as a temporary measure to support local businesses during the pandemic, have proven successful in ‘enhancing the vibrancy’ of the city’s streets.
Three trial sites at Simple Cider, Straight Up Coffee + Food and Pilgrim Coffee will now be upgraded with durable materials and remain in place for the next five years.
A City of Hobart spokesperson said the businesses will cover the installation and maintenance costs, which include an annual $2,000 fee, an annual planter box hire and maintenance fee of $800 and an outdoor dining fee.
Ratepayers will bear the estimated $15,000 cost of removing the current installations, with a total of $55,000 set aside for the project in the 2024/25 budget.
According to a recent consultation survey completed by 97 respondents, 94% of participants expressed satisfaction with the project.
88% of surrounding businesses also support the trial and an equal number would back its expansion to other parts of the city.
The removal of parking spaces for the seating areas has resulted in a monthly income loss of around $7,373 or $88,476 for the full financial year.
“This is a pro-business initiative. Lots of businesses that I speak to are really keen to have more space for outdoor dining,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
“I think one of the reasons why it didn’t generate a lot of commentary is because this is now so common in almost every regional and capital city around the country … It’s pretty unremarkable.”
“It’s not removing all parking spaces in a street but it is tactually providing this opportunity for businesses that want to pay for it.”
