A Civic café is calling on the ACT Government to reverse its decision to remove its outdoor dining gazebo, after it was dismantled ahead of upgrades to Garema Place.
Via Dolce says the structure was built in 2023 with approval and input from the City Renewal Authority (CRA), and became a popular fixture for all-weather outdoor dining. However, under new guidelines introduced as part of the Garema Place upgrade, only umbrellas are now permitted for weather protection on public land.
A CRA spokesperson said the updated Places to Dine: Outdoor Dining Toolkit Garema Place was developed following extensive consultation with businesses and the broader community throughout 2023 and 2024.
“The new guidelines are part of a broader vision to transform Garema Place into a high-quality, open and functional pedestrian plaza,” the spokesperson said.
“Permanent enclosed structures restrict access for other users — particularly at night, during events, or by neighbouring businesses.”
The spokesperson added that Via Dolce was advised of the changes before the gazebo was built.
“Via Dolce’s outdoor dining structure was constructed after businesses were advised of the upcoming Garema Place upgrade, and the structure does not comply with the updated guidelines or its permit,” they said.
CRA says it has made consistent efforts to communicate with the business.
“Since March 2023, City Renewal has engaged with Via Dolce through more than ten meetings, calls and doorknocks, and provided nearly 20 written updates. The business was also invited to multiple engagement sessions regarding the upgrade and toolkit development.”
“The City Renewal Authority is working with businesses to develop long-term outdoor dining arrangements that align with the new guidelines.”
In a press release issued on Friday 25 July, Via Dolce said it was “frustrated and baffled” by the decision to deny the gazebo’s return, despite original approval and the café’s significant investment.
“The gazebo was a key feature for comfortable all-weather outdoor dining,” the statement read.
“The current ‘umbrellas only’ rule is widely deemed by local hospitality operators as inadequate and useless for Canberra’s weather.”
The café also argued the structure improved vibrancy and accessibility in the precinct and aligned with CRA’s original goals at the time of installation.
“Via Dolce is calling on the ACT Government and CRA to revisit the guidelines, advocating for a practical solution that supports local businesses while meeting urban renewal goals.”
Via Dolce owner Joe Pelle said that while relocating the gazebo to nearby Bunda Street has been suggested, nothing has been confirmed.
“We’ve been working well with the ACT Government and CRA to try and reach a mutually beneficial outcome. However, the suggestion to move the gazebo to Bunda Street is still in the application stage and is not approved as of today (Monday 28 July),” Pelle said.
The news of the gazebo’s removal has sparked backlash on social media, with many Canberrans, particularly Canberra Liberals MLA Mark Parton, calling it unnecessary government overreach making life harder for local hospitality businesses.
