‘Parklets’ way forward for town’s businesses
HAVE you spotted the new pavement cafes opening up in Southport town centre? The new ‘parklets’ are extensions to existing restaurants and bars, utilising parking spaces and service roads to create new outdoor dining spaces.
It is a brilliant way of helping local businesses to rebuild trade after losing four months or more to the coronavirus lockdown.
The extensions and new outdoor space also help customers to maintain social distancing.
They have been made possible thanks to funding from Sefton Council.
Southport Flower Show has also helped by designing and building the new parklets.
It is great to see Southport Flower Show – which itself has been hit hard by the pandemic with the cancellation of this year’s Show – working hard to help other organisations which have been affected by the impact of Covid.
The new parklets have enjoyed a very positive response in Stand Up For Southport.
Speaking on our Facebook group, Ben Oliver said: “Excellent use of space. Hopefully this will continue on a permanent basis.”
Paidi Seo said: “Fabulous. The difference the one outside Punch Tarmey’s has made to the feel of the street is amazing.
“Just need to turn the old casino into a bar or /restaurant and it would be a fabulous addition to the Northern Quarter.”
Stephen Green said: “Great idea, keep it going through the winter with parasols, and patio heaters.”
Sammi Rudge said: “Looks amazing and a great way to create extra seating at those venues that can’t utilise the pavement outside their premises.”
Parklets have appeared outside businesses including: the
Medhito Cuban Latin Lounge and Bistro Bar Med on Coronation Walk; Punch Tarmey’s and The Lord Street Hotel on the Court Road service road adjacent to Lord Street; Morrells in Ainsdale Village; and outside The Guest House on Union Street.
Lisa Mendi, co-owner of the Medhito Cuban Latin Lounge on Coronation Walk in Southport, said: “I absolutely love the new seating area!
“We are so happy to now offer our customers outside seating. Thanks to Sefton Council which has made this all possible, we are absolutely delighted.
“All our lovely customers old and new will now be able to enjoy their tapas from Bistro Bar Med, sitting outside whilst sipping sangria, then continuing their evening listening to the delights of chilled Latin beats and enjoying some cocktails whilst being outdoors. Please check our Facebook page for other nights.”
The Guest House said: “Our new parklet seating is now outside, thank you Sefton Council!”
A spokesman for the Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group said: “We are so excited to announce our new garden bar at The Lord Street Hotel!
“Since the recent opening of our Prosecco Bar and Roof Terrace, the demand for seating in the recent weather has blown us away.
“Between our new garden area and our revamped bar area, we cannot wait to introduce visitors and locals alike, to our new area. We look forward to seeing you soon!”
Parklets offer a place to stop, to sit, and to rest while taking in the activities of the street.
In instances where a parklet is not intended to accommodate people, it may provide greenery, or some other visual amenity.
Southport businesses have benefited from additional funding from Sefton Council to support the creation of the new parklets.
The funding will help support the Sefton business community, with measures that enable safe trading in public places.
As part of this project, Sefton Council is looking to extend the pavement areas outside local businesses, especially where the pavement area is limited.
By using the parking bays, this will allow for social distancing where it would be difficult to do so otherwise, whilst still having consideration for all users of the highway, especially those with disabilities.
The two main areas where this will be implemented are Coronation Walk and Union Street Southport.
The council has already implemented the road closure on Court Road, adjacent to Lord Street, from The Grand Casino to Union Street, helping businesses in this area including the Lord Street Hotel and Punch Tarmeys increase their trading and to add life and character back into the local area.
The site will also be enhanced with planters which have been designed, built and installed by Southport Flower Show to create an attractive area for customers to use.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton council’s cabinet member for regeneration and skills, said: “We understand how all businesses have been impacted by Covid-19, none more than the hospitality sector.
“We have been working with businesses over the last few weeks to ensure they could open safely while we all play a part in keeping residents and visitors safe.
“These new initiatives will help us achieve this and at the same time help these independent businesses trade successfully over the next few weeks.
“A lot of the infrastructure being used has been designed and made by the Southport Flower Show, again showing how we can and will support local businesses.
“We do hope these initiatives are a great success and we will continue to look at other areas.”
The council has also adopted a new temporary pavement licence process, a streamlined consent route to allow businesses to obtain a licence to place temporary furniture, such as tables and chairs, outside cafes, bars and restaurants quickly.
If any other businesses are interested in how this project may be able to assist, please contact the Sefton Tourism Department on Tourism@sefton.gov.uk or to apply for a temporary pavement licence visit: www.sefton. gov.uk/parking,-roads-travel/ temporary-pavement-licence. aspx