Pop-up park to be installed in central Horsham

Published on 25 November 2020

Horsham Rural City Council will install a temporary park in Roberts Avenue this week, providing an urban oasis for residents and visitors.

The pop-up park will feature natural lawn, flower boxes and fixed seating made from recycled materials.

It will be located in front of clothing store Lili Vogue until April.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said the concept aimed to create more outdoor dining opportunities for the city’s restaurant and cafe scene in a COVID-19 environment.

“I am proud to this week open a pop-up park in the heart of Horsham, where people can socialise, relax, enjoy a picnic or takeaway food,” Cr Gulline said.

“As the weather warms up, we wanted to bring some extra life and greenery to the centre of the city, as well as create a beautiful place for those who shop, work and learn in Horsham.”

Cr Gulline said while Roberts Avenue was the site chosen for Horsham first pop-up park, there was an opportunity to have similar concepts across the city.

The public will be invited to provide feedback and suggestions for other potential sites and further activations.

“Our business support team is particularly keen to hear from the owners of our cafes, restaurants and pubs as they find creative ways to adapt to the COVID normal environment,” Cr Gulline said.

“While restrictions may be easing, it’s still not business as usual for traders with physical distancing continuing to restrict the number of patrons at restaurants and cafes.

“That’s why Council is working with businesses to increase their footprint outside, enabling an increased number of patrons to dine at a safe distance from each other,” she said.

The project is being funded jointly through HRCC’s COVID budget support allocation and the Victorian Government.