Canberra restaurant owner frustrated by government's demand to remove $150,000 gazebo

A city hospitality business owner spent $150,000 on a gazebo only to be ordered to remove it 18 months later. The ACT government found the covered dining room outside Italian restaurant Via Dolce on Garema Place not meeting upgrade guidelines for the inner-city area. The gazebo, installed by owner Joe Pelle in December 2023, aimed to promote year-round outdoor dining in the ACT with features like a built-in floor and reverse air conditioner.

The permit required the structure to be removable within 48 hours. However, the City Renewal Authority's 2024 Garema Place toolkit now favors large umbrellas over gazebos for outdoor dining. Mr. Pelle was given 48 hours to take down the structure by July 27 as it exceeded the approved permit area. Despite prior approval, the gazebo was removed.

Mr. Pelle supports the government's efforts to attract visitors but is concerned about limited outdoor dining options. He believes enclosed dining areas like gazebos provide shelter and enhance the dining experience. Nearby restaurant owner Richard Ho also backs the revitalization plans but questions the effectiveness of umbrellas in extreme weather.

The City Renewal Authority plans to fast-track approvals for umbrella structures but not for gazebos due to safety concerns. Businesses have been consulting with the government on the Garema Place development since 2023, with major works expected to finish by year-end. Mr. Pelle removed the gazebo and hopes to relocate it to Bunda Street.

According to the source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.