Jennifer Pittorino
Altona traders will be pleased to know that their outdoor parklets will remain as they are, while design work progresses for permanent outdoor trading areas within the Pier Street, Altona, precinct.
In its meeting on Tuesday, June 11, Hobsons Bay council confirmed the parklets will remain despite a “miscommunication” that the parklets would be removed by council.
Council installed outdoor trading areas across the municipality in response to Covid. These included extended footpath trading zones, parklets in car parking spaces, and waivers to the usual fees associated with outdoor trading.
In November 2023, council endorsed its Outdoor Trading Framework, which allowed the temporary areas to remain in Pier Street while long-term design and capital works plans are developed.
In the June 11 meeting, council reiterated design work is under way to permanently extend the footpaths in Pier Street between Blyth Street, Railway Street South, and a feature site between Blyth Street and Queen Street.
Cr Daria Kellander said the work being undertaken by council will provide some clarity for the traders.
“Just over a month ago, whether it was a miscommunication or misunderstanding, a number of traders were told their parklets would be removed by council on September 1, and they would need to install them again at their own cost,” she said.
“They were obviously quite upset hearing this because it contradicted what they were previously told through conversations to date.
“I have no doubt that the Pier Street traders are happy to finally have this commitment being made on the future of their outdoor trading spaces.”
Council noted it will receive a future report at the August council meeting to provide details of the concept designs.
