Robina Town Centre on the Gold Coast to unveil plans for $160 million food area

SHARPEN your appetites shoppers — an epicurean hub is about to become the epicentre of the Gold Coast’s multi-million dollar store wars.

An artist’s impression of the new precinct to be called The Kitchens, at Robina Town Centre.

SHARPEN  your appetites, shoppers — an epicurean hub is about to become the epicentre of the Gold Coast’s multimillion-dollar store wars.

Robina Town Centre will today unveil plans for a $160-million, two-level “multi-sensory’ culinary playground to be known as The Kitchens.

An artist’s impression of the new precinct to be called The Kitchens, at Robina Town Centre.

The area is expected to help the centre claw back trade from rival retailer Pacific Fair which has undergone a massive $685 million refit and Labrador outlet centre Harbour Town, which recently unveiled 25 new stores in its new North Western Mall, as part of a landmark $20 million expansion.

Due to open this year in time for the peak summer holiday season, Robina’s The Kitchens will feature 55 indoor and outdoor fresh food retailers, cafes, bars and restaurants to tempt the tastebuds.

Robina Town Centre's Food Court. Picture by Scott Fletcher.

It will boost the centre’s mix of 350 retailers, which includes David Jones and Myer, Zara, Apple, Nespresso, Big W, Target, Kmart, Coles superstore, two Woolworths supermarkets, The Promenade lakeside dining precinct and Event Cinemas.

Robina Town Centre is getting a facelift. Photo: David Clark

Billed as a culinary community epicentre, The Kitchens is designed to celebrate fresh, local produce and serve as a melting pot for artisans, chefs, providores, purveyors and food lovers.

The new section, to be curated by Daniel West, will also host tastings, workshops and masterclasses in open kitchens and pop-­up venues and showcase live music, film, theatre and art through an events program.

Robina’s renovation news comes after Pacific Fair unveiled their new look.

Mr West said The Kitchens would be globally inspired but locally focused, with “signature dishes” and several Australian “food luminaries” to feature on its menu.

“The Kitchens will unite our community through a shared love of food,” he said.

The area’s design will incorporate a sky­roof, an urban marketplace and spaces where shoppers can meet, mingle, socialise, shop, dine, learn and experiment.

Artist images of the revamped Harbour Town centre.

Mr West said shoppers would be spoiled for choice, with fresh, seasonal produce, cured meats, artisan cheeses, desserts, tea and coffee, fresh juices, raw treats, boutique wines, craft beers and vegan delights alongside dishes hailing from every corner of the globe.

Harbour Town has also undergone renovations recently. Picture: Mike Batterham

“From South American and Greek street food, to New York-style bagels, Italian wood­fired pizzas, pastas, gelato and wines, traditional Asian dishes, Australian ales and local seafood — the finest flavours of the world will come together to create an unrivalled dining experience for every occasion,” he said.

Robina Town Centre manager Glen McAnulty said the new food playground marked another significant milestone in the evolution of the centre, which offered shoppers free parking.

“We have shared a rich, 20-year history with the Gold Coast and have grown to understand that, for our customers, food is synonymous with celebration and social interaction between family and friends,” he said.

“This enduring passion for great fare and authentic dining experiences was our inspiration behind The Kitchens’ concept and we are thrilled that the community will be at the heart of it, while fresh food will be at its soul.”