New entertainment precinct unveiled at Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre

Chadstone - The Fashion Capital, the largest shopping centre in Australia, has unveiled concepts for a new entertainment and dining precinct that it will open this summer.

Set to feature six new dining retailers and four new entertainment brands, The Social Quarter at Chadstone is set to open this summer and will welcome six new dining retailers and four new entertainment brands, offering a collection of 18 attraction and F&B experiences.

Spanning a new area of more than 10,350 metres², the new area sets out to offer a vibrant ‘all seasons playground’ experience designed for social engagement beyond that of traditional mall or retail precincts.

Entertainment offerings to complement Chadstone's existing Legoland Discovery Centre and Hoyts cinema complex, include Funlab brands 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 earlier this year.

F&B outlets include 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 team from South Melbourne's Half Acre is opening an all-day Euro diner called Cityfields while there will be a new venue from Urban Alley Brewing Co (also Docklands and Knox), complete with an onsite brewery creating craft beer exclusively for The Social Quarter.

Designed architects Jackson Clements Burrows, along with Buchan, Decibel and Lat Studios

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.

Explaining that The Social Quarter, is a key part in Chadstone - The Fashion Capital’s owner Vicinity’s $2.9 billion expansion, Vicinity Centres Chief Development Officer, Carolyn Viney advised “we are proud to be adding something unique to Chadstone with the launch of The Social Quarter.

“With the breadth of entertainment and dining options on offer, the first-of-its-kind precinct is a place where, no matter your age, the hour of the day, or the time of the year, you’ll find a destination that encourages play and celebration.”

Introducing the brands that it will feature in The Social Quarter, on social media, Funlab announced “we (are) delighted to announce that we will be launching four of your favourite Funlab brands in one place, including the first Victorian launch of Hijinx Hotel!

“In case you missed all the news, Hijinx Hotel is an immersive games room concept, themed in the wonder of a 1950s style New York Hotel and combined with some must be seen to be believed cocktails.

Alongside three of our well know brands in Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, Holey Moley and Strike Bowling, we can't wait to open our offering later this summer at The Social Quarter.”

Images: Melbourne television presenter Jacqui Felgate launches Funlab's brands at The Social Quarter (top), a concept for the new precinct (middle) and Funlab's Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq (below).