Overview
It already takes the crown as Australia's biggest shopping centre, and ranks amongst the largest in the world, too. But Chadstone isn't stopping with the upgrades anytime soon. After adding a luxury hotel and a couple of new restaurants to its grounds in 2019, and enjoying plenty of upgrades in recent years, the centre today unveiled plans for its latest addition — a new entertainment and dining precinct dubbed The Social Quarter.
Clocking in at over 10,350 square metres and a cool $71 million, the project is set to feature 18 new food and entertainment 'experiences', with a focus on al fresco dining. Designed for all seasons and occasions, it's gearing up to open its doors this summer.
On the food side of things, you'll find new outposts from six different hospitality retailers, including New Zealand-born Asian-fusion restaurant White + Wong's and its sibling Sardine Bar, Italian eatery Cinque Terre and Melbourne's much-loved Piccolina Gelateria. The crew from South Melbourne's Half Acre is opening an all-day Euro diner called Cityfields. And there'll be a new venue from Urban Alley Brewing Co (also Docklands and Knox), complete with its own onsite brewery creating craft beer exclusively for The Social Quarter.
When it comes to playtime, punters of all ages will be spoilt for choice with venues from Archie Brothers Cirque Electrique, Strike Bowling and Holey Moley, alongside a new iteration of Hijinx Hotel — Funlab's vibrant 'challenge room hotel' concept, which debuted in Sydney in winter. They'll complement Chadstone's existing Legoland Discovery Centre and Hoyts cinema complex.
White + Wong's
The Social Quarter is also set to show off some sleek design work, helmed by renowned architects Jackson Clements Burrows, along with Buchan, Decibel and Lat Studios. It's aiming for a 5 Star Green Star rating, will feature an art-covered facade with works by artist Matthew Johnson, and boast a cutting-edge louvred glass roof design made up of 468 individually glazed pieces. The precinct will also showcase views across to the CBD from its restaurant spaces.
Urban Alley
Bar Sardine
Find The Social Quarter at Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone, Victoria, from a yet-to-be-confirmed date this summer.