Parklets and street-side dining

A parklet is a small public space created by repurposing on-street parking. The space is open to everyone and can include seating, greenery, and bike parking – inviting people to linger, connect, and enjoy.

Street-side dining is a commercial outdoor dining space for patrons of a host business during trading hours. Outside of those hours, the space becomes public amenity.

• Promote vibrancy in the city centre and neighbourhoods.
• Empower our business community to improve our public spaces in a collaborative, responsive and equitable way.
• Improve the accessibility of Hobart's footpaths by removing obstructions from the building edge.
• Enhance walkability.
• Provide additional outdoor dining space to support local businesses.
• Support local city placemaking.
• Foster community interaction and connectivity.
• Increase activation and 'eyes on the street'.
• Provide lower cost options and trials.

• Business owners and property owners.
• Not-for-profit and community organisations.
• Joint applications are encouraged.

Program One: short-term (12 months)

• City-installed modular "kit of parts" at no cost to successful applicants.
• Includes decking, kerbing, planter boxes, and traffic signage.
• Limited to 3 installations per year.
• Remove from location after 12 months.

Program Two: long-term (up to 5 years)

• Installation using City of Hobart's footpath extension design at applicant's cost.
• Optional planter box hire and fixed furniture design available.
• Suitable for businesses or community-led initiatives.
• This financial year (2025/26) we are delivering 3 sites (Pilgrim Coffee, Straight Up Coffee and Food, and Bevs). 2 more sites are up for grabs if the applicant can pay the total fee upfront.
• Up to 5 installations per year from next financial year (2026/27), depending on capacity.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are evaluated based on:

• site suitability (for example, speed limits and footpath width)
• community support (businesses, landowners and residents 50m along both sides of the street from the proposed location)
• design quality, sustainability, and alignment with program goals
• technical feasibility and activation potential.

Can I customise the space with my own furniture or plants?

Yes! You can add furniture, planting, and other elements, provided they meet the City's general guidelines for safety, accessibility, and durability.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. All applicants must hold Public Liability Insurance of at least $20 million and provide a current certificate to the City.

What if I want to serve alcohol in the space?

You'll need to obtain a liquor licence from the Tasmanian Government's Liquor and Gaming Branch in addition to your permit from the City.

What other approvals may be required?

A permit to occupy - outdoor dining will be required under the Public Spaces By-law(PDF, 1MB). Please note this permit requires that all applicants obtain and hold a current policy of Public Liability Insurance for an amount of not less than $20 million.

A planning permit is not generally required for other street locations, unless a permanent shade structure is included. At this point the design is no longer considered a minor development and require will a planning permit.

A building permit is required where the installation is more than 2.4 metres high.

What happens after the 12-month period in Program One?

The installation will be removed by the City. You may then apply to transition to Program Two for a longer-term installation.

What happens if a business closes or is sold?

If the business closes, the existing owner will be responsible for the remaining payments. If the business is sold, the new business owner will be responsible for the remaining payments. The City will facilitate transfer of agreements where possible.

What if a business no longer wants to use the space?

The business owner must continue to repay the installation costs. The space may be repurposed as a public parklet, communal dining area, or greening zone.

What if complaints arise from nearby businesses?

A majority of support from nearby businesses is required during the application process. The City will mediate any disputes and enforce compliance through existing outdoor dining permit rules.

What data will be collected?

Applicant must complete a short survey before and after installation. Public feedback will be gathered via QR code surveys at each site.