Skips redesigned as small outdoor dining areas for cafes are being trialed in central Geelong.
The new ‘Parklet Pods’ are made off-site out of six-metre skip bins fitted out with benches and plants.
The pod is delivered on site and takes up a single car park space.
Café owners can then add their own tables and chairs to the pod.
Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons said they were a great solution for central Geelong cafes that didn’t have enough footpath space to accommodate alfresco dining.
“The ‘Parklet Pods’ are a creative alfresco solution that aims to add atmosphere and colour to central Geelong’s pedestrian precincts.
“The pods are fitted out with plants which will add a much needed touch of greenery to the street.
“One of my goals as Mayor is to bring more flowers and plants to our CBD, I want Geelong to be a city in a park.”
Local design consulting business Spiire has been working in collaboration with the City of Greater Geelong Urban Design Unit on the design and delivery of the Parklet Pods.
If the trial is successful, more pods could be placed around the city or moved to cater for major events.
The first pods have been delivered to the James Street Bakery Coffee
and Cartel.
Councillor Michelle Heagney who holds the portfolio for Central Geelong said the ‘Parklet Pods’ were aimed at supporting central Geelong traders.
“Each pod fits into a single car park space and gives businesses a greater street presence and more flexible seating options.
“It’s part of our plan to activate central Geelong and create more opportunities for our local traders”
