Hop Temple has launched an appeal to reinstate the iconic umbrellas overhead Hop Lane because, at $1200 to replace the umbrellas every two months, it's a cost they're struggling to bear.
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The overhead umbrellas have become a tourist attraction over the past five years but with the rain and the wind they need to be replaced regularly and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help with the cost.
Currently there are no umbrellas up because, with the financial struggle of COVID lockdowns, Hop Temple owner Brian Taylor is focussed on the business.
"We've got to be a bit careful where we allocate money and what we are doing ... because we are fully committed to keeping the venue open, employing our staff and being right for the future," he said.
Mr Taylor said most people thought council paid for the umbrellas, but this was not the case.
"It brightens everyone's day, it puts a smile on everyone's faces and we really want to do that again," he said.
"We want to get everyone smiling again and being happy and that's one big reason we want to get it up ... to activate the laneway and get that bright colour and vibrancy back to the CBD."
Mr Taylor said Hop Temple had received great community support after reopening earlier this month.
"We've been overwhelmed with support from locals, everyone ringing up early in the week to book. Everyone wants to be able to have more people but the restrictions are what they are and we all want to be safe so we don't have to go back to lockdown."
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