Photos | Buses, taxis and cars make way for new covered, outdoor dining areas at Sutherland

New outdoor dining areas have opened at Sutherland, with bus and taxi zones and most car parking relocated to nearby areas.

Footpaths in Flora Street, on the eastern side of the train station have been widened to provide enclosures known as parklets.

Both sides of the street have covered parklets, which are reserved for the customers of adjacent eateries, as well as uncovered areas where anyone can sit and eat, have a coffee or just relax.

Taxis and some buses have been moved to Old Princes Highway, and other buses use a new zone in Flora Street outside Sutherland Public School.

Three daytime, 15-minute car parking spaces have been retained near the parklets.

Sutherland Shire Council has made the changes on a trial basis after receiving a state government grant under the Shared Space program.

The council is not imposing additional fees on businesses who benefit from the extra outdoor dining. They already pay a fee to have tables on the footpath.

The program was launched during the pandemic to encourage outdoor dining.

The council said at the time, "It is envisioned that the pilot project will revitalise the Sutherland streetscape, boost daytime and evening dining services, and provide a framework for how council can create more inviting urban spaces to support residents, visitors and the local economy into the future."