Ballarat businesses have let council know they need more outdoor dining options as the city prepares to open up as restrictions ease in the coming weeks.
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A recent survey released by council about reinvigorating the CBD received an overwhelming response from Ballarat's hospitality industry with 34 of 54 responses coming from the beleaguered sector.
Those respondents said they wanted to be able to utilise their footpath areas as soon as possible with suggestions including blinds, heaters and marquees.
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Previous measures have included grants for businesses to install glass wind barriers and umbrella sockets in their footpath dining areas and fast-tracking outdoor dining permits.
One such business, The Forge Pizzeria in Armstrong Street, engaged with council about putting up a marquee on the footpath outside its front door and was able to get one built in just a couple of weeks.
City of Ballarat chief executive Evan King said council wanted to be a facilitator of ideas, not a impediment.
"With density limits inside, we've got to try and find innovative ways to activate footpaths, laneways, car parks, whatever it might be, to try and support business to be able to trade profitably and as we come out of COVID and restrictions start to get eased more," he said.
"We're going to continue to extend the wind barriers and the umbrella sockets and that's a great program because that's a permanent solution. Even post-COVID recovery, they'll still be there for businesses to be able to use and really encourage that outdoor dining experience."
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