6 Reasons Florida Road is perfect to join global “streatery” and open-air dining movement

6 Reasons Florida Road is perfect to join global “streatery” and open-air dining movement

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Streateries’ have become part of a global movement to reclaim public spaces and streets for pedestrians. A ‘streatery’ (street-eatery) is when a section of the road in front of a restaurant is closed off so that it can be used for restaurant seating on a temporary or permanent basis. This form of open air dining not only reduces the risk of spreading COVID but it also creates a lively atmosphere, bringing diners back to restaurants. It has formed part of many inner city recovery programmes as a way to reopen the economy, boost development and attract tourism.

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Success stories of streateries around the world

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New York City started its initiative early in the pandemic and has encouraged streateries city-wide, repurposing 8,550 parking spots. The city of Milan worked in collaboration with 2400 bars and restaurants, using pop up furniture and small tactical interventions to create outdoor dining areas along pedestrianised streets. While in Stockholm, streateries form part of the ‘Summer Streets’ programme and include additional public seating and play areas for children. The City of Cape Town recently launched its own streatery initiative, closing off Bree Street and Long Street in the CBD on Saturday evenings and including some street performers and live music. Due to its success, this initiative is also planned for streets in other parts of the city.

What makes Durban’s Florida Road perfect for a streatery?

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Florida Road is a landmark street in the Inner City of Durban and boasts a variety of boutiques, eateries, bars and art galleries. This tree-lined street is located in the Morningside neighbourhood and runs from Innes Road to Montpellier Circle. So why would it be the perfect location to activate Durban’s streatery initiative?  

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1. Durban’s vibey restaurant street

Florida Road is already much-loved and recognised in Durban and South Africa. It attracts a diverse mix of locals and visitors alike with its vibrant food and bar scene and safe environment. Whether it’s a morning cup of coffee, a nutritious energising lunch or relaxing evening dinner, Florida Road has got it all.      

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2. A strategic point for economic recovery

A streatery initiative will open up a vital part of the economy providing a lifeline to many local and small retail, hospitality and businesses hard-hit during lockdown. Because of its location and mixed use of developments, Florida Road is key in linking the City Centre to other parts of the city and revitalising the economy.

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3. The perfect road design for a streatery

Florida Road is a 1.6km long street with two lanes in both directions allowing for a variety of options to close some lanes while keeping others open. There is sufficient space for outdoor dining and the opportunity for an easy transition without having significant impacts on the flow of traffic. One option would be to create a single ‘slow driving’ lane, the other lane and parking spaces would provide the perfect space for outdoor dining.  

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4. The road to a healthier, more walkable city

Streateries and similar initiatives, like pedestrian streets and parklets, encourage residents and visitors to walk and explore the city on foot. This is not only a healthier way of seeing a city but also introduces people to places and spaces they would not have interacted with before. It is also a way to create safer streets that provide security, especially for women and children. Think of how families gather around Florida Exchange even late in the evenings and on weekends.

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5. A catalyst for outdoor events

Outdoor events such as film screenings, concerts, silent discos and night markets are  great ways to create a community atmosphere and develop the local economy. A streatery could be the catalyst for such events and Florida Road has ample outdoor space available, including the wonderful Gordon Road Park and Mitchell Park. The highly successful Florida Fields, an open air space with food vendors and restaurants, shows that there is a market for outdoor spaces in the hot summer evenings.

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6. Opportunity to include all of the city

Durban is a city filled with culture and creativity but artisans are not always provided the space to share their crafts. A streatery could provide the space to cultivate the city’s arts and design scene. By closing parts of the street there would be ample space for arts and crafts, informal traders, music and activities in between the restaurants. Creating a space that provides an opportunity to include all of the city.