Chadstone – the new capital

More than 60 new retail stores, two new dining precincts and a new state-of-the-art HOYTS cinema complex will open its doors this week, when the first and most significant phase of Chadstone’s $660 million development is officially unveiled to excited shoppers on Thursday 13 October under its iconic Australian-first glass gridshell roof.

At completion of the development in mid-2017, Chadstone will feature close to 600 retailers including some of the world’s most iconic luxury designer stores, premium international retailers, an exciting collection of flagships, a range of general retail offerings, two new dining precincts and Australia’s only LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre.

Visitors to the centre will be one of the first to enjoy an exciting collection of new flagship stores including H&M, Uniqlo and Sephora (opening Saturday 15 October), in addition to new to market premium internationals such as Furla, Maje, Oroton, Sandro and The Kooples.

The centre will also become home to the first integrated retail dealership for Tesla Motors in Melbourne, active living retailers including Nike and Rebel Sport, and the first Australian store for beauty brand Bath & Body Works.

Another attraction for customers will be the highly-anticipated dining and entertainment offer, featuring the new Dining Terrace and Food Central, a 1300-seat, 20-plus tenancy food gallery. The Dining Terrace will become home to Burger Project by Neil Perry, Fonda, Woodstock Pizzicheria, Mama’s Buoi, New Shanghai, Mezz Bistro and Bar and Marae Izakaya, opening from mid-October onwards.

The new HOYTS cinema complex will include the HOYTS LUX premium experience and spans two levels underneath the glass gridshell roof at Chadstone. It will feature Xtremescreens with DOLBY ATMOS surround sound, exclusive powered recliners in each auditorium, and the new ‘Eat Street’ area which will include Chur Burger, Ben & Jerry’s and Arties Bar & Café.

Mr Angus McNaughton, CEO and Managing Director of Vicinity Centres, said: “Chadstone is already one of the leading shopping centres in the world, and this expanded offer will take the customer experience to the next level.”

The festivities on Thursday will include more than 200 opening day offers and exclusive experiences, music, hundreds of giveaways and celebrity guest appearances from Chadstone’s flagship stores, including:

• Uniqlo will unveil a Japanese-inspired flower wall installation, crafted solely from its current season, and give lucky customers a chance at more than 1,000 prize offers
• H&M will celebrate its launch with live music in-store and provide the first 100 fans to the store a gift bag valued at more than $100
• Mecca Maxima will continue the VIP treatment, providing its first customers with surprise gifts throughout the morning. A Mecca Maxima tree will also come to life outside the store from Thursday to Sunday, blossoming with more than $150,000 worth of prizes to give away for customers who spend $65 or more. Launch day will also see the reveal of the Chadstone Tailor Made Store, a pop up concept space offering a bespoke experience for lucky winners of an in-centre competition taking place on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 October. The store will offer a truly ‘Tailor Made’ experience, physically moving and evolving, whilst intuitively curating products that customers will personally love from retailers throughout the centre.

Over the coming months, Chadstone is set to house more luxury boutiques under one roof than anywhere else in Australia when it welcomes iconic designers including Valentino, Celine, Fendi and Loewe, along with premium international stores including Kate Spade, Reiss, Kit and Ace, Cos and Michael Kors. Chadstone will also provide greater flexibility for customers with extended trading hours from Thursday 13 October – to 9pm on Saturdays and 7pm on Sundays – ahead of Christmas trading hours commencing in December. With the new centralised bus interchange and taxi rank, and a total of 10,000 car parks, the centre is more accessible than ever for its domestic and international visitors.

Mr McNaughton added: “Customers want more choice about how and when they enjoy their shopping experiences. This evolution of Chadstone reflects what customer’s today desire in a premium shopping, dining and entertainment destination.”