New support for businesses to promote outdoor dining

Published on 28 January 2021

Horsham Rural City Council is offering financial support for hospitality businesses to invest in permanent outdoor dining infrastructure.

Permanent infrastructure could include tables, bench seats, perspex wind barriers, umbrellas, planter boxes, heating and awnings.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said the new initiative, separate from the COVID Support offered to businesses from last year, was designed to activate streetscapes and support local hospitality and food operators.

“The initiative presents an opportunity to expand and improve outdoor dining across our municipality,” Cr Gulline said.

HRCC has received a Victoria Government grant which will cover the design and construction costs.

Participating businesses will be required to maintain the infrastructure which will be set out through footpath trading agreements.

The business operators will be required to meet all Council permits and maintain their occupancy numbers within the permanent infrastructure footprint.

“Being able to dine outside will be key to economic recovery. It’s about working with businesses to try and provide that important flexibility as we transition to a ‘COVID normal’,” Cr Gulline said.

“Each business is going to be different because they each have different requirements and space that’s available.

“We encourage businesses to first make contact with our business support team and then submit an obligation free proposal,” she said.

FIND OUT MORE OR APPLY ONLINE