Stockland is pleased to announce that the highly-anticipated and award-winning NightQuarter is on track to open on Friday 6 November at Stockland’s $830 million Birtinya town centre on the Sunshine Coast.
Having attracted thousands of locals and tourists during its three years of operation on the Gold Coast, NightQuarter is positioned to become one of the area’s most iconic food and music destinations.
Fiona Papworth, Stockland’s Retail Asset Manager Queensland, said: “NightQuarter is strongly aligned with our focus on bringing curated customer experiences to our retail town centres while supporting local artists and businesses.
“The dynamic, open-air marketplace complements our existing centre offering, and positions the retail precinct as more than just a great place to shop and socialise, but a destination with a range of choice, convenience and entertainment.”
The sprawling 7,000m2 space will come to life every weekend with exclusive opportunities to experience live bands and specialty performers across its five stages, in addition to street art, market stalls and food, vintage amusement rides and more.
Adrian Allen, Regional Development Manager Residential Queensland, Stockland, said the award-winning night markets will help to further distinguish the Birtinya community as a key driver for the local economy and a major employment hub for the region.
“We recognised the potential to activate the space adjacent to Stockland Birtinya Shopping Centre in a major way for the community,” said Allen. “We’ve been working closely with local authorities and Food Focus on this $8 million entertainment precinct, which is projected to bring 400 jobs to the region. We’re confident that our community will love it and are looking forward to it officially opening.”
Projections by NightQuarter owner, Food Focus, also indicate that NightQuarter could generate an economic impact of $6 million per year, in addition to the $12 million injection anticipated from the marketplace’s regular weekend offers.
Michelle Christoe, owner of Food Focus and NightQuarter, said: “Alongside Stockland, we have invested millions into NightQuarter, which we see as an entertainment precinct similar to a theme park – or as we like to say – ‘a festival every weekend’.
“Our previous venue on the Gold Coast won 2019 Best Regional Venue at the Queensland Music Awards and has been re-imagined in Birtinya as ‘NightQuarter Live’. Featuring street food, immersive experiences, regular ticketed live music concerts and special events, we expect the space will reinvigorate the Sunshine Coast’s music scene following a year of COVID-19 restrictions,” said Christoe.
“The venue has been purpose-built with four stages, three storeys of shipping containers and state-of-the-art production capabilities. We anticipate that NightQuarter will quickly become known as a space that brings the community together and connects them through fun, shared experiences. We can’t wait to open.”
NightQuarter has an approved COVID-Safe plan in place, which includes online ticketing and a box office at the front entrance to manage numbers and offer cashless entry. The marketplace will also offer family and seasonal passes, and will require guests to adhere to social distancing guidelines while at the precinct.
Allen continued: “We know that residents choose our communities not just because of the great quality and affordability, but also because we offer infrastructure and amenities such as NightQuarter that help define Birtinya as the highly liveable place that it is.”
The marketplace will be open year-round on Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 10pm.