Streetscapes transformed as open-air dining takes off
Around 50 new and enhanced outdoor dining booths and parklets are popping up at footpaths and car parks across the City of Melton, with Council supporting local eateries to rethink open-air dining experiences.
This week alone, 10 new booths were added in Caroline Springs and Melton, with more set to be complete by May across eight precincts: Melton South; Caroline Springs Boulevard; Lake Caroline; Watervale; Taylors Hill; and High Street, Scott Street and Burleigh Road in Melton.
Melton City Council is working with local hospitality businesses to install the outdoor dining infrastructure as part of the Victorian Government’s outdoor eating and entertainment initiative.
Council has collaborated with Australian paint company, Taubmans to apply a bright, geometric design to the booths and parklets, which were designed and installed by local company, Events 720.
The result is a bright playful theme that connects outdoor dining offerings and increases visibility for small businesses in our municipality. If you look closely you will see each booth features a letter which spells out ‘Much More’, taken from our buy local campaign slogan, ‘There’s Much More to Melton’.
Taubman’s chief coloursmith, Rachel Lacy said the Chromatic Joy colour scheme used on the booths is about creating a moment of delight and lightness.
“Studies have shown joyful people are healthier, happier and kinder and every human has the capacity for joy,” she said.
“Colour can transform our spaces, colour unites us. It speaks to what we have in common. When our surroundings bring us joy we are happier. Using colour to change or enhance your mood is a positive action, particularly after the year we’ve just had.
“Colour can be fun, playful and we should all embrace more colour in our lives.”
City of Melton Mayor, Cr Kathy Majdlik, said the initiative provided comfortable, sheltered, and stylish open-air dining for everyone to enjoy.
“We have so many high-quality restaurants and cafes in our city and this is the perfect way to showcase them year-round,” Cr Majdlik said.
“Bringing more dining to our footpaths is creating a vibrant atmosphere along the streetscapes and attracting more people to these local precincts. It’s a win-win for businesses and residents, providing exciting and comfortable new dining experiences for foodies and families, and bringing more business to local eateries.
“As a council, we’re really proud to see this project come to fruition and add to the work we’re doing to support businesses in our city. I’d encourage everyone to keep an eye out for colourful outdoor dining booths popping up in your area, and make the most of the experience with your family and friends.”
Randi Wagner
Place Engagement & Activation Officer