Council’s outdoor trading program was delivered as a quick response to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

The outdoor trading program (previously referred to as Hobsons Bay Business has Heart - HBBhH) included the installation of council owned and managed parklets, a feature site at Pier Street, and other furniture to select hospitality businesses.

This program provided additional trading areas to help businesses meet social distancing requirements.

When the original outdoors program was developed the longer-term need and opportunities were not a focus.

Council officers have considered feedback on the program since 2020 and prepared a revised framework that would allow Hobsons Bay to transition to a more permanent outdoor trading program.

On 11 July 2023 Council resolved to undertake consultation on the new draft framework for outdoor trading.

Please click the following link to review the 11 July Council Report (https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/files/assets/pub...)

The proposed model responds to feedback from businesses and stakeholders highlights include:

• A significant reduction in the parklet fees endorsed by Council last year.
• Transitioning from temporary infrastructure that is nearing the end of its life, to a more permanent model, and giving businesses the opportunity to have the infrastructure they choose.
• Businesses maintaining their own infrastructure, rather than the community subsidising commercial spaces – something that has been foreshadowed for some time.
• Seeking further input on the Pier St feature site, which has drawn a range of different views from people impacted by the road closure, as the community moves beyond COVID restrictions.
• Continuing extended footpath trading and introducing the opportunity for fixed infrastructure (eg umbrella sockets).

The new model (framework) includes:

• Parklets - option for a more permanent parklet model to be introduced via an expression of interest process, where businesses design, construct and maintain parklets at their own expense and in accordance with certain guidelines
• Pier Street – long term options for Pier Street
• Fixed (footpath) infrastructure - allowing businesses to access low risk fixed infrastructure
• Extended footpath trading - transitioning relevant businesses to the existing extended footpath trading permit process