Mayor's Message Thursday 21 January 2021

Outdoor dining options have been expanded in the Ballarat CBD this summer, with the opening of two new, temporary outdoor dining hubs.

The hubs, comprised of six all-weather cubes, were installed this month on Armstrong Street North and the 400 block of Sturt Street.

They were funded through $500,000 from the Victorian Government’s Local Councils Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package to support hospitality businesses reopening following the COVID period.

These hubs will help CBD businesses expand the number of patrons they can host under COVID-Normal conditions, with an expected total economic impact of around $1.3 million during the three-month period they will be in operation.

In late 2020, Ballarat businesses were invited to work together to submit joint proposals for outdoor dining hubs.

The proposals were assessed against a range of criteria, including location and how the hubs would add to the vibrancy of the area where they would be installed. There’s no doubt expanded alfresco dining will add to the already fantastic atmosphere in these locations and benefit other neighbouring businesses by increasing foot traffic.

It’s also a great fit with our Summer of Fun in Ballarat campaign which is being promoted into Melbourne and regional Victoria and showcases the great food options we’ve come to know and love in Ballarat.

The hubs will be in operation during upcoming events such as the Cycling Road Nationals and the Ballarat Begonia Festival.

The $500,000 allocation will also support a program for businesses across the municipality to install small infrastructure, such as wind barriers, needed to create a safe and comfortable outdoor dining experience. Further announcements about this part of the Ballarat program will be made in coming weeks.

Mayor

Cr Daniel Moloney