The Marketplace has submitted plans for outdoor seating areas to stretch along Hibberson Street as well as Gungahlin Place. These structures will be along the Big W block of The Marketplace.
A total number of 826 seats will be installed and will be placed for the individual retail outlets. The seating areas will be supported by structures which will have overhead shade cloths, lighting and heating. Clear drop down clear plastic drapes will also be installed to provide further protection from the weather.
This is a great initiative that should bring some vibrancy to the town centre and extend the trade for the retailers into the night, especially in the cooler months. It would be ideal to see Gungahlin Village follow a similar concept that is complimentary.
There has been much discussion about the use of Hibberson Street, whether it should be closed to all traffic and be pedestrian use only or a shared space.