streetslaneways+

minor

centralcityHardware Lane, Centre Place, Bligh Place, Degraves Street,

The Causeway, Block Place, George Parade, Manchester Lane,

Driver Lane, Scott Alley, Meyers Place, Healeys Lane, Howie

Place, Bank Place, Equitable Place, Alfred Place, McKillop

Street, St Mangos Lane, Rakaia Way and Aquitania Way.

The minor streets andlaneways in the Central Cityare intimate, people-orientedspaces created by narrowroadways and pathways andenclosed by tall buildings.These spaces have a richurban character and lifethrough layers of activity,from interactive ground floorshop and business frontagesto residential and businessactivities above. Thesestreets feature pedestrian-oriented lighting and somehave unique pavements,furniture, public art andlighting designs that definethe local urban character andcreate a strong sense ofplace. Laneways and arcadesare not always first apparent,so discovering and exploringthem heightens the quality ofpedestrian interest andexperience. A number ofminor streets are of historical interest and are included in heritagewalks through Melbourne.

The combination of theseelements provides a highlyattractive and interestingenvironment for pedestriantraffic as well as street activity.Outdoor cafés contributesignificantly to street life byproviding an often informalspace to sit and relax, socialiseand observe activity.

Access and public placeOutdoor cafés should beintegrated into the street in away that does not compromiseexisting street activities,circulation requirements andpedestrian and traffic safetythrough maintaining adequateclearances. Well designed andmaintained urban environmentsare essential for improvedcommunity safety and access. Improving the quality of the environmentand promoting accessible and liveableplaces that encourage a feeling of safetyand community participation is the key tosafer places.

This section deals with the specificconditions and exceptions that relate to these precincts and may affect the application.

Location of an outdoor café

Due to the varying nature of space in minorstreets and laneways, the exact location ofan outdoor café will need to be determinedby the City of Melbourne on a case-by-case basis. However, the location ofoutdoor cafés on the pathway or roadwayshould depend on available space andtraffic conditions. Where shelter fromsunlight is required, siting should beintegrated with existing built canopiesand/or street trees.

Pedestrian clearances+ 2000mm is the minimum.

+ 1500mm the absolute minimumclearance eg. Block Place.

Setback from street furniture+ 500mm from street furniture

and tree plots.

+ 1000mm from public seats, payphones,litterbins, bicycle hoops etc.

Setback from the street kerb+ 800mm if the cafe is adjacent to normal

parking restrictions.

+ 900mm if the café is adjacent toLoading Zones.

+ 1000mm if the café is adjacent to No Stopping restrictions.

+ 1200mm if the café is adjacent to (90º, 60º, 45º) Angle Parking.

+ 1500mm if the café is adjacent toDisabled Parking. There must also bean unobstructed path measuring1500mm at both ends of the outdoorcafé to allow passing space forwheelchairs and access to the footpath.

+ Outdoor cafés are not permitted tooperate adjacent to Construction Zones.

Clearway zones+ For the safety of outdoor café patrons,

all furniture must be removed from thefootpath during clearway times.

Tram, bus and platform stop zones+ At tram stop zones the minimum distance

between the face of the kerb and theoutdoor café must be 1000mm. Atoutdoor cafés located next to bus stopand platform stop zones, the minimumdistance between the face of the kerband the outdoor café must be 1500mm.

Property boundary clearances + 250mm minimum.

In all cases affecting circulation, theCity of Melbourne may require a greatersetback depending on pedestrian andvehicular traffic conditions.

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OUTDOOR CAFE

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Cafés against the building lineHardware Lane (shown)

Design and heritageOutdoor cafés shouldcomplement and enhance the streetscape and othersignificant street elements suchas trees, public art and citydecorations. These, andelements such as heritagepavements, should not beremoved, relocated or modifiedas a result of an outdoor caféinstallation and operation.Outdoor cafés should beunobtrusive in style, appearance,materials, finishes and colours.Suitable styles and colours mustnot detract from the integrity andcharacter of significant buildings,landscape features andstructures in the street.Furniture such as umbrellas and screensshould not obstruct views of main areas ofstreet activity and significant sight lines toimportant landmarks.

Design of café furniture is to be of a highstandard in appearance and style, made of quality materials, with finishes that areattractive and durable.

In all circumstances, furniture must be approved by the City of Melbournebefore use.+ Contemporary and brightly-

coloured furniture may beappropriate for predominantly modernstreets and laneways.

+ Outdoor cafés proposed in heritagestreetscapes should have high qualityfurniture with more traditional materialsand simple colours such as BrunswickGreen, Hawthorn Red, black, grey ormetallic and with natural finishes suchas timber, metal and stone.

+ Furniture should be portable yet sturdyand windproof (ie. metal and timber ormetal frame with plastic tabletop andchair back/seat).

+ 1000-1500mm-high glass caféscreens are not appropriate due tolimited street space.

+ 900mm-high canvas screens may beconsidered on a case-by-case basisand judged according to availablespace, urban character, street activitiesand traffic conditions.

+ Planter boxes may be considered on a case-by-case basis and judgedaccording to available space, urbancharacter, street activities and traffic conditions.

+ Umbrellas may be considered wherethere are no built canopies or trees toprovide adequate shelter and aresubject to City of Melbourne approval.For example, they may be appropriatewhere an outdoor café is located in aroadway such as Degraves Street.

– Umbrellas are not permitted wherebuilding awnings exist at typicalground floor height (2800-3800mmfrom the ground) and cover most ofthe footpath to 0-1000mm setback behind the kerbline).

– Umbrellas must be semi-fixed to the footpath, using a socket andsleeve system subject to the City of Melbourne’s specifications and approval.

+ Freestanding awnings areinappropriate due to limited street spaceand the high sense of enclosure createdby a combination of narrow roadwaysand tall buildings to the footpath edge.

+ Advertising may be displayed onevery alternative panel of café screensand umbrellas. The size of the caféname, logo or commercial advertisingshould cover no more than 33 per centof the panel surface.

The City of Melbourne will considerunique designs and variances torecommended colours on a case-by-case basis.

OUTDOOR CAFE

PEDESTRIAN

CLEARANCE

PEDESTRIAN

CLEARANCE

Cafés in the roadways (Emergency access only)Degraves Street (shown)

FURTHER INFORMATIONPlease refer to the Outdoor Café GuidePlease contact City of Melbourne, Street Trading Unit.Email: enquiries@melbourne.vic.gov.au Website: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au Phone: (03) 9658 9658Post: GPO Box 1603 Melbourne 3001 Street address: Level 4, 200 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000

City of MelbourneCentral City Minor Streets and Laneways