Today I was invited to the opening of Eastland’s new galleria and I have to say that I’m impressed. They’ve turned the typical shopping centre retail experience on its head and have focused on being a community hub rather than just stores and stores and more stores. Even if you don’t live near Ringwood I think it’s worth a visit.
Here are my Top 5 Features of the new Eastland Shopping Centre Redevelopment.
1. Valet parking
Think that valet parking is only for the rich and famous? Think again. Valet parking at Eastland is ONLY $10 which is a bargain when you think about how much time you would otherwise spend searching for a car park.
It’s particularly fantastic for families as there’s no schlepping from the car to the entrance with prams and paraphernalia. Just drop off your car and walk 10m to the guest lounge, which is styled like a hotel lobby.
Couches, artworks, free tea/coffee and smiling guest services staff to attend to your needs. They even press lift buttons for you!
Even better is that the Valet parking service includes a parcel valet service. Someone else will carry all your shopping down to the lounge then voila, your car appears. You can even ask for your car to be washed while you’re shopping (they take it to the car wash in the carpark and you pay standard rates).
I can’t think of a better way to make a shopping experience easy, delightful and memorable, especially around Christmas time. I really felt like a VIP.
Entrance to valet parking is from East Entrance 6 at Warrandyte Road.
2. Click and collect
Shop with the convenience of online but save on postage and get your items quickly by using Eastland’s click and collect. Your shopping can be picked up from the click and collect counter at Eastland, which is also located at the valet parking area….meaning you don’t have to hunt down the store inside the centre.
Not every store provides the service at the moment – centre management are gradually adding more brands.
3. Children’s Play Areas
Eastland have built three free play areas for kids in the new Level 1 ‘children’s precinct’ of the East side galleria.
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They are unfenced and unsupervised, allowing kids to play and explore freely.
Baby 2.0’s favourite was undoubtedly the two storey high spider web climbing frame – it’s not often you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of a shopping centre! Apparently a slide is soon being installed :)
4. Town Square and REALM
The Town Square is a unique partnership between Eastland and Maroondah City Council and it is aiming to be the local area’s community hub.
The Town Square brings famous culinary names to Melbourne’s east – our favourite stop with kids is Jimmy Grants and a gelati from Lavezzi afterwards.
Across from the retail stores is REALM, Maroondah City Council’s new library, cultural, and knowledge and innovation centre.
The children’s area is small but cute, with stepped grandstand seating, computers, a large touch screen and of course books.
5. Architecture and artworks
If you’re a David Bromley fan, Eastland is the Bromley gallery of dreams. You’ll find his artwork throughout the centre, even on temporary shop hoardings, as well as in the retail store Bromley and Co.
I also love the curvaceous, cathedral-like architecture of the new East side galleria by London’s Softroom Architects.
To celebrate Eastland’s new East side galleria they are hosting a four-day artistic program throughout Eastland on levels 1 and 2 on 5-8 May , with interactive installations, artworks and performances presented by Australian contemporary artists.
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