Popular parklets could be here to stay

Lygon St restaurants said the outdoor dining parklet program was assisting in the recovery of the popular strip after the COVID-19 shutdown.

Cafe Notturno manager Kash said its parklet area was “very popular” with customers.

“It’s the perfect time for it, being summer. Most customers prefer to be outside and now we have more space to fit them,” Kash said. “It looks much prettier”.

Kash said the City of Melbourne had done a “great job” with the project.

“We haven’t had any complaints about the extra space being taken up,” Kash said

“We would definitely continue with it if the council lets us after the end of March. We could put heating and a roof up during winter. It would be great”.

The parklet program, which has seen dining areas take over footpaths, on-street car parking, laneways and street space, is part of a $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund being delivered by the council and the state government to support the hospitality industry.

Criniti’s manager Nabin Neupane said the parklet had been popular with customers.

“It has helped when we’re busiest on Friday and Saturday nights by providing more tables to scatter people all over to ensure we’re following social distancing rules,” Mr Neupane said.

Mr Neupane said the restaurant would “definitely” look to continue with the program following the parklet program’s expected finish date in March.

Carlton Inc president Luca Sbardella said that business in Carlton had bounced back incredibly well after lockdown.

“There’s probably no other suburb in Melbourne that does outdoor dining like Carlton does,” Mr Sbardella said.

“The parklets are great for the street too because they come with the ability to bring in more customers.”