New outdoor ‘Dining Pods’ for Benalla

Published on 13 September 2021

Council is delighted to announce new street furniture will be installed near Lake Benalla and the Thomas Street shops over coming weeks.

The project is made possible with funding from the State Government’s Outdoor Activation fund and the installation of the pods will increase outside recreation and dining options for the community.

The ‘dining pods’ will be located in key locations, ready for both residents and visitors to use in the upcoming spring and summer months. The pods will add to the unique Benalla streetscape.

The self-contained table and chair structures offer more shelter than traditional picnic settings. The first two pods will be located adjacent to the splash park overlooking Lake Benalla. Four pods will be erected behind the is Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop Learning Centre (Benalla Library) offering easy access to Benalla’s cycling and walking track and BBQ area.

Another three pods will be placed next to the Thomas Street shops to provide a place to enjoy a treat from the local shops.

Benalla Rural City Council Mayor, Danny Claridge said “Council thanks the Victorian State Government for its support. We believe the installation of the new dining pods will facilitate more opportunity for locals and visitors to continue to enjoy the nearby facilities and shops”.

“We look forward to warmer spring and summer temperatures and a lifting of restrictions so that we can all get out and about and enjoy a take-away lunch or coffee or just catch up with family and friends,” Cr Claridge added.

Image: Example of outdoor dining pod. Photo credit: Kim Leyden