Are these the twilight months of Covid-era outdoor dining in Knox?

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly said that Knox Council had voted to immediately remove the parklet outside of Paddy’s Tavern and ItalianIssimo in Ferntree Gully. We regret the error.

Knox Council has voted to delay the removal of “non-compliant” outdoor dining parklets, which were introduced during the state’s Covid hospitality recovery.

Despite local support for a number of parklets in the area, one local business owner says they won’t be able to afford the cost of seeking updated permits for the space.

A parklet is a space made from parking bays for temporary use, commonly for outdoor dining, vegetation or extra seating.

Knox Council delivered a number of outdoor dining parklets across a number of hospitality venues as part of the State Government’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package during the Covid pandemic.

❓What happened: On Monday night, council staff recommended councillors approve a motion to remove three outdoor dining parklets servicing five venues in Ferntree Gully, Wantirna South and Bayswater.

Councillors went back and forth discussing alternatives before finally settling on a motion which would see the deadline for the remaining parklets extended until March 1 2026 to allow the proprietors to apply for outdoor dining permits and enter into licensing agreements.

This could also be extended to June 1 if the proprietors have applied for a permit by February 27.

🛣️How we got here: Work carried out by council staff discovered a number of issues with the parklets, including structural and non-compliance breaches, complex land ownership and licensing agreements.

🪧Local support to keep the outdoor space: Knox Council has received a petition with more than 100 signatures in support of the parklet at Paddy’s Tavern and ItalianIssimo, arguing the removal of the structure would “negatively impact the experience of customers”.

🗣️ Speaking to the Eastern Melburnian, Schokolade Cafe owner Justine Salanitri said the community support for keeping the parklet had been “overwhelming”, with a petition attracting more than 700 signatures.

⚖️Weighing up the cost: According to council documents, full costs for operating a new parklet at the Studfield location were unknown but would include costs to obtain a Traffic Management Plan, a Road Safety Audit, administrative fees from the council and the construction of a new parklet structure.

• Salanitri said she was keen to keep the structure as it provides extra undercover seating for patrons, but that she didn’t think they were “going to be able to afford (the costs of securing a new permit and constructing a new space) as a small business”.

⏭️Moving forward: Council officers are now looking towards providing a report on how to implement a Knox-wide outdoor dining policy to outline future applications for new structures.

Bayswater MP Jackson Taylor has since been in contact with Schokolade Cafe and the council to offer any help needed in seeking the necessary permit.