Reclaiming the streets
A Parklet is the the perfect solution to creating an oasis of calm in busy urban environments.
The concept is simple - areas of pavement or road are used to create seating, dining or socialising areas.
And it's an idea that's catching on fast.
Unlike the sunny areas of the Mediterranean where socialising outside is the norm, the UK had to adapt very quickly to the prospect of taking our lives ‘outdoors’ as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and social distancing measures.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic had many negative effects on local economies, with high streets already struggling before the outbreak with rising rents and falling consumer spending.
In response many local authorities and businesses decided to think more creatively to expand their existing outdoor spaces and Parklets have been a popular route to attracting customers back to town centres.
To support the recovery, a new Business & Planning Bill was passed by the UK Government allowing new ways to develop town centres to enable businesses to operate outside.
The bill also ensures other post COVID-19 readjustment options, such as setting out measures to boost construction, simplification of the planning appeals process and guidance and support for businesses to reopen safely in particular the need for social distancing.
One way to expand spaces is the installation of streetside Parklets to allow for segregated areas for outdoor dining or seating.
Using clear PETg screening also allows for the seating area to be separated from the roadside, providing a barrier between customers and other road users.
Easily identifiable graphics provide guidance on social distancing (if and when necessary) to allow the spaces to be utilised safely, and the addition of planters, allows for pleasant and colourful surroundings.
Broxap is perfectly placed within the street furniture industry to provide a full Parklet solution, with any combination possible. As with everything that we do, our in-house UK manufacturing operation enables us to create new designs to each individual requirement, so please contact our sales teams to discuss further.
Take a look below to view more sample parklets, or visit our designated Parklets page.
