The application was ‘approved in principle’ by City of Subiaco councillors at a development services committee meeting last week and is expected to be passed at council on November 26.
Although the City implemented its Rokeby Road car bay initiative to turn car bays into alfresco dining areas after business hours last year, Mr Cariss said he needed a permanent structure because of the angled footpath.
He said the 2m footpath would remain and a level timber deck and planter boxes be built to the kerb underneath high canopy umbrellas.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW‘I couldn’t charge my diners the same price for their piece of fish if they’re sitting on a sloping, wobbly pavement essentially on the road,’ he said.
Councillor Murray Rowe said one car bay was very little to give up for such a ‘fantastic idea’ in an ‘ideal location’.
‘Rokeby Road could be like Melbourne or places in Italy where you sit out on the street drinking a glass of wine taking in the atmosphere,’ Cr Rowe said.
Mr Cariss said he was overjoyed to receive such a positive response from council after working on the application with his father Tony Cariss over the last few years.
‘Our alfresco area will bring a point of difference to outdoor dining on Rokeby Road because it will not be canvassed in or wrapped in plastic,’ he said.
‘There will be a nice visual for my customers that are inside looking out, and also from across the street for people driving or walking past.
‘Often at night there is not a lot happening up this end of the street, so the alfresco area will add light, safety and great activity and interest.
‘I can imagine the alfresco area will even be more popular than sitting inside. We have beautiful weather and a great looking street; we should be making the most of it.
‘It’s obvious.’
Mr Cariss said he hoped to begin construction in the next few months.