Popular café parklet to be demolished by council
The owners of a popular café are pleading with the local council to put a stay on bulldozing its outdoor dining space.
Bin 3 Cafe and Cellar in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Balwyn has had its outdoor area since 2020, when it became a lockdown getaway during the pandemic.
However, owners Tom and Peter Mornement, who have had the café for 17 years are now in a fight with council and local shop owners to keep the outdoor area affectionately dubbed The Birdcage.
Despite the City of Boroondara proposing to make the area a permanent feature earlier this year, due to the success of the space and despite 72 per cent of the community voting in favour of keeping it, surrounding shop owners want it demolished.
While the structure only takes up three parking spaces, shopowners calim it is limiting parking. There are 190 spaces available.
Last month, Tom Mornement was told the parklet would be removed by June 30.
“We are one of the most successful outdoor dining spaces in Boroondara,” he told The Herald Sun.
“Council approached us, they wanted to make it permanent, they were going to come in and cement it all in, they had done all the plans.
“Effectively, they have gone against what the community wants, they are citing the lack of parking but there are more than 190 parks in our shopping strip and rarely are they ever full.”
Mornement accused the other owners of not being “community orientated”.
“I’m disappointed they can’t see where we are coming from,” he said.
“There are 11 restaurants in our strip and we have all their menus available at the shop so people can order in fish and chips or pizza from across the road.
“We are supporting 11 different businesses, I can’t see why they can’t see where we are coming from for the sake of three car parks out of 190.”
Patrons of the café have banded together to save the parklet and have garnered more than 600 signatures.
Council defended the backflip.
“Prior to making the initial decision to remove the parklets, council conducted a survey which received input from both the community and businesses in the precinct,” they said.
“Some respondents, mostly surrounding residents, believe parklet dining helps the centre thrive and adds a positive space to the streetscape.
“In contrast, most business owners in the centre feel carparking is more important for customers and businesses.
“Council had taken the view the outcome should benefit all traders, not just one and therefore made its decision.
“The applicant has requested a review of the decision which will now be referred to a meeting of councillors for determination.”
Mornement is hoping the decision will once again be overturned.
“This is a devastating blow to our community space, where locals gather to enjoy coffee, meals from nearby restaurants, forging new friendships and enjoying each other’s company,” he told The Herald Sun.
Jonathan Jackson, 5th June 2024
