“Parklets” and “skiplets” are the new foodie trends for this summer across Phillip Island and San Remo hospitality venues.

Thanks to $500,000 State Government funding, Bass Coast Shire has rolled out new outdoor dining spaces including two skiplets, which are made from revamped skip bins, that have timber floors, seating and coastal plants to accommodate diners in a COVID-safe way.

A skiplet has been built outside The Seaside Provider at Newhaven and is also outside Gelato Al Mare in Inverloch.
Shire Mayor Michael Whelan said the skiplets were being leased and would remain onsite for six months.
He said the funding had also been used to create 16 parklets across the shire, including some of the outdoor dining areas established last summer.
In San Remo, Westernport Hotel and San Remo Hotel customers had the same outdoor parklets created last summer, as well as new picnic tables installed along the grassed foreshore area.
In Cowes,

The Esplanade has again become one-way to traffic to allow Hotel Phillip Island, M&O Café and Tapas and North Pier Hotel to expand their outdoor trading capacity.
“We also opened an Expression of Interest for Cowes-based businesses to operate from Olive Justice Place this summer,” Cr Whelan said.
“We welcome creative ideas from hospitality, beauty or retail businesses, community groups, children’s entertainers, artists or creatives on how they can activate this precinct and help their business.”
In Grantville, the outdoor dining area set up between the shops will operate again this summer.
“Businesses can contact our industry development team if they are interested in creating an outdoor trading space,” Cr Whelan said.

Impacts?

Shire CEO Ali Wastie said the shire would monitor the outdoor areas for six months to see their impact on surrounding traders.
“Approved parklets in front of the businesses should not impact negatively on neighbouring businesses,” she said. 
“Overwhelmingly, the feedback from businesses and community regarding outdoor use has been positive.”

She said in 2020 the shire created an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for businesses wanting to extend trade on the footpath or in parklets using parking spaces in front of their businesses. 
“Our officers assessed the EOIs and if the space was feasible for outdoor activation, the businesses could submit an application. 
“Applications are assessed and permits are granted on either an annual or seasonal basis and are subject to permit conditions.”
She added this year’s outdoor trading fees have been waived until June 30, 2022. 

Details: email business.support@basscoast.vic.gov.au.

Parking frustration

Some residents took to social media to voice concerns about the lack of parking created by new outdoor dining areas.
Pam Foenander asked whether these new areas could be used by the public.

Respondents confirmed they were for the use of diners but added that Olive Justice Place was public.
Marie Ferns said while she was happy for restaurants to have extra space, she also agreed less parking was not ideal.“Even less since the Covid testing site has taken up Cowes central parking,” she wrote.

“They should have moved the testing over the holidays somewhere else to provide more parking centrally. Considering that testing is not even happening this week it seems a waste of space.”