CBD Businesses trial a new platform for dining

Published on 04 May 2018

Rockhampton CBD businesses have taken the opportunity to maximise their dining space with Rockhampton Regional Council’s new Pilot Dining Platform initiative.

Late last year Council signed off on a proposal that would allow for pop up public spaces and dining platforms in Rockhampton, and overnight three businesses have instantly expanded their seating capacity with the new platforms.

The program follows in the footsteps of San Francisco and New York, utilising a parallel parking space to provide additional service areas for cafes and bars.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret said the dining platforms are an initiative of Council’s CBD Framework which outlines long and short term strategies including placemaking initiatives designed to activate and improve the CBD.

“Last year Council went out to businesses with expressions of interest and we are so pleased to see The Coffee Society, Ginger Mule and the Artisan Bakery take advantage of this pilot program and it’s also wonderful to see them installed just in time for Beef Week,“ Mayor Strelow said.

“We have also recently dressed up empty shop fronts currently for lease with vinyl wraps, which not only improves the appearance of the street with a more cleaner and brighter look, but it also shows the potential for what could be.

“Our recent Façade Improvement Scheme was also a great outcome where Council co-contributed towards helping businesses paint or improve the facades of their buildings and shops.   

“One by one, as we implement and trial these initiatives we will begin to gauge what helps businesses, what attracts more people and what creates vibrant atmosphere in the CBD.”

The platforms will be leased by businesses during the six month trial period after which Council will review the program.