Expression of Interest for Parklets Now Open

Published on 31 May 2024

Hamilton hospitality businesses have the opportunity to enhance their outdoor dining spaces through Southern Grampians Shire Council’s Parklet Program.  Expressions of interest are now open for any local businesses interested in securing one of three available parklets in the Hamilton CBD.

Originally introduced during the pandemic, parklets are innovative spaces that transform parking bays into vibrant, pedestrian-friendly areas. These areas provide a unique opportunity for businesses to extend their services outdoors, creating inviting spaces for customers and enhancing the overall street atmosphere.

Currently, our three Council-owned parklets are located outside Tosca Browns, The Grand Central Hotel, and Little Koi, each featuring eye-catching designs by local artists.

“These parklets were initially provided to give local businesses options for outdoor dining, when COVID restrictions were in place,” said Mayor Councillor David Robertson.

“Instead of becoming relics of the pandemic, these little parklets have become a much loved and often used part of life in Hamilton. I think that these parklets represent a great opportunity for local hospitality venues to add some additional seating, to increase their visibility or to bring some new life to their street frontage.”

“We’d now like offer other Hamilton hospitality businesses an opportunity to have the parklets in front of their establishments,” Cr Robertson concluded.

Benefits of Hosting a Parklet:

• Extended Seating: Increase your dining or service area, offering more space for customers to enjoy.
• Enhanced Visibility: Make your business more appealing and noticeable to passersby.
• Increased Foot Traffic: Draw more visitors to your location with an attractive and functional outdoor space.

Cost and Application:

The cost to host a parklet is $1150 per year which includes the permit fees. Expressions of interest are open to any food / beverage business in Hamilton with adjacent car parking. Interested businesses should submit a fully completed expression of interest form by 30 June 2024.

Eligibility and Criteria:

To ensure the safety and appropriateness of parklet locations, a business must meet the following criteria:

• The bay must be on a Council-owned straight section of road with a speed limit of 50km/h or less. 
• It must not sit within a clearway or contain service pit lids, fire hydrants, or drains. 
• The parking bay must be a minimum 10m from an intersection and a minimum 20m from a signalised intersection. 

Please note, meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval. Southern Grampians Shire Council reserves the right to select the most suitable applications based upon the eligibility and selection criteria.

How to Apply: We encourage all interested hospitality businesses to contact our Business Support team for assistance in assessing their site's suitability before submitting an application. Reach out via email at ecodev@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au or call 5573 0240 for more information.