Westfield Doncaster installs giant carpark marquee to let customers enjoy $30m dining precinct
A $30 million dining precinct has been opened in one of Melbourne’s biggest shopping centres – and it has come up with an innovative way for more people to enjoy the delicious food on offer.
East
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One of Melbourne’s biggest shopping centres is not letting coronavirus dining restrictions stop the launch of its hip $30 million dining precinct.
A massive outdoor marquee with room for 320 diners has been installed in the top level carpark at Westfield Doncaster, next to the precinct’s entrance.
It contains extra space for diners at eight of its eateries, with staff at each maintaining their designated areas and serving full menus.
Scentre Group Victorian regional manager Charlie Rimmer said the marquee covered only “a handful” of parking spaces outside the precinct and would be in place throughout summer.
He said it was a handy solution to allow each restaurant to serve more customers, with only 20 indoor diners allowed on site under the current restrictions.
“Its an opportunity for them to grow their sales and for the customers to come in greater numbers,” he said.
“When we knew the restrictions were going to lift, we thought it was a really good opportunity to help to build the offer of the precinct and the number of seats available to customers.”
The precinct was unveiled this week with ten more eateries opening their doors, joining Betty’s Burgers and Pretzel which opened earlier in the year.
Among the fresh additions are Asian tapas bar Pocha Pocha, Sushi Jiro, the Augustus Gelatery and relocated favourites TGI Fridays and Secret Kitchen.
Mr Rimmer said the final two eateries in the precinct – Woodstock Pizzicheria and The Sporting Globe – would open by Christmas, along with its outdoor sculpture garden.
“What we know is our customers are really excited about there being another place to come and hang out and dine in the east of Melbourne, and it's a really compelling offering,” he said.
“People may not be comfortable about going into the city right now because of COVID, and this is going to give them a real new array of options close to home.
“It’s going to be a great boost to the area and another reason for customers to come and visit Westfield Doncaster, on top of all the strengths the centre has already got.”
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