Outdoor dining ‘parklets’ bring vibrant atmosphere to Camberwell precinct

Outdoor dining has taken off in Camberwell shopping precinct, with several new ‘parklets’ allowing eateries to extend trading on to footpaths and streets.

Boroondara Council has fast-tracked permit applications and waived all council permit fees to help food businesses bounce back after lockdown, enabling them to take dining to the streets over the summer months.

The council has described the ‘parklets’ as temporary spaces for outdoor dining built into car parking bays. They’re made safe with fencing, traffic safety barriers, and planters.

Across Camberwell, you’ll also spot these businesses trading on footpaths, on their private land such as courtyards, and in some of Boroondara’s public spaces.

“This helps them to serve customers in a safe manner while adhering to Victorian Government COVIDSafe guidelines,” a Boroondara Council spokesperson said.

“We encourage our community to support local businesses during this critical time on the road to economic recovery. Dine alfresco while you reconnect with friends and loved ones, and linger longer in Boroondara’s iconic shopping strips.”

Camberwell Centre Traders’ Association manager Kerry Daly said creating the outdoor dining spaces has been a great way for local traders to bring the precinct back to life.

“Many of our hospitality businesses were hardest hit during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and these options to trade in outdoor spaces and have extra patronage will allow these businesses to bounce back,” she said.

“The parklets and outdoor trading spaces also look attractive, with many of them decorated with plants and synthetic grass, which brings such a vibrant atmosphere to the precinct.”

The Camberwell Traders’ Association were successful in their application to receive a grant from the Victorian State Government through their Business Chambers and Traders Groups program. This will help to promote the outdoor dining experience and encourage the community to support the local businesses. 

The association was able to contribute the festoon lighting to the parklets in Camberwell Rd, opposite the Rivoli Cinemas, to attract night-time diners and generally promote the dining options across the precinct.

Ms Daly said the traders’ association was grateful to the Victorian State Government and Boroondara Council for their support in enabling the extended outdoor trade and was very encouraged by the positive feedback from the community.  

“The traders’ association has worked closely with council and the local businesses to make this initiative happen, and we look forward to a positive and successful summer trade as a result,” she said.