Roving street performers will bring cheer to three expanded outdoor dining precincts across Geelong and Geelong West.

The City is adding an entertainment program to its streetscape improvements in Pakington Street Yarra Street and Union Street to enhance the experience of visitors and encourage further dining and shopping activity.

New al fresco dining areas were constructed this week in Pakington Street (between Autumn and Preston streets) with diners already embracing the enhanced open-air atmosphere.

Mayor Stephanie Asher said the expanded outdoor dining areas and free entertainment provided even more reasons for people to visit Geelong’s cultural and shopping destinations.

The new al fresco areas allow cafes and restaurants to expand their dining options which will help in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The addition of musicians and street artists will further lift the atmosphere of the precinct encouraging visitors to linger and spend more time more eating and shopping.

The City last week received a $300 000 grant from the State Government under the Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package.

The funding was allocated to councils that had experienced increased patronage at local eateries and increased demand for outdoor dining infrastructure.

The grant will support the ongoing provision of infrastructure in identified hospitality precincts further street-based activities including entertainment and campaigns to help draw people to these areas.

To complement the increased dining opportunities the roving street entertainment program will entertain diners and pedestrians.

A program of artists and locations will be released in the coming days.

The Government funding will also allow the City to continue fast-tracking applications and approvals for outdoor dining permits and to continue waiving permit fees.

More than 70 temporary permits for new or extended al fresco areas have been issued by the City since September 2020 with businesses embracing the chance to safely expand.

There are now more than 170 venues in Greater Geelong offering outdoor dining hosting a total of more than 2060 chairs.

This includes venues supported by the City’s first outdoor dining activation in The Terrace Ocean Grove which is remaining in place until 18 April.

All outdoor dining precincts will be promoted to residents and visitors through co-ordinated campaigns including It’s Our Backyard which encourages the Geelong community to think local first when seeking goods and services.

Find out more about It’s Our Backyard.