After a few trials in the city, more business owners are taking on parklets after seeing how successful they have been for other restaurants and cafes.
These pockets of outdoor space can bring more people and activity to a street while leaving footpaths clear for people passing through.
They can also add more plants, art, seating, and bike or scooter parking to a neighbourhood, supporting zero or low carbon ways of moving around the city.
The programme started a year ago in response to COVID, and since then they have been changing the way people use streets, says Project Manager Urban Regeneration and Design Charlotta Heyd.
“It’s about making people the priority and promoting the idea that our streets aren’t just for vehicles and movement, it’s valuable space for people to enjoy too.”
Local business owner Lydia Suggate now has two parklets for her businesses. One outside her restaurant Nolita, which has been there since May, and now more recently at the bar The Champagneria.
She believes that the parklet has helped make her business stand out.
“At the Champagneria, having the extra area gives good visibility and makes the street feel nicer. It adds to the look of the city and fits a good number of people, instead of just a couple of cars that use it. We’re happy with having the extra area, it’s a great sun trap.”