Benalla Rural City Council has received funds from the Victorian Government for works and services on outdoor facilities.

The funding is to support a broad range of industries that have been severely impacted by COVID restrictions.

The funds are to extend the life of existing and new facilities and provide semi-permanent and permanent outdoor precincts that will be of lasting benefit to the community.

One of the eligible structures for funding is parklet facilities.

A parklet is a little 'park' which may include a small seating area or green space designed to improve public amenity.

These spaces are generally created using an existing car parking space.

Benalla Rural City Council plan to install 2 parklets in the CBD of Benalla.

The benefits include:

• people stay longer in the in the central business area
• creates a safer public space
• improved streetscape amenity which may include comfortable seating, bike racks, landscaping and public art
• additional open seating space
• additional space for dining and meeting

The proposed locations for the Parklets are:

1. Adjacent to Purdeys Jewellers - 61 Bridge Street East, Benalla
2. Adjacent to Benalla Town Hall - 82-86 Nunn Street, Benalla

These locations have been chosen as they service many retail, hospitality, personal and essential service businesses within the span of a comfortable distance. Visitors and workers can access these spaces within easy reach of businesses they may be utilising.