The owners of two of Birtinya’s most iconic sport and retail outlets have secured a five year lease of the former NightQuarter site with a vision to establish a multi-purpose, family friendly entertainment precinct suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Husband and wife team Chris and Lauren Hignett have years of national and international corporate leadership experiences across a range of industries before acquiring Birtinya-based Scooter and Skate – a brick and mortar retail and e-commerce sports store and Alley-Oops Indoor Skatepark over the past two years.
The couple now plan to transform the 6,400m2 site into a six day a week, family friendly, all inclusive entertainment precinct under the brand of The Station.
Chris said he was excited to be able to bring the precinct to life and he was confident that with the support of Stockland along with the local business community, The Station could become one of the region’s premier tourist attractions.
“Lauren and I are thrilled with this opportunity, we have grand plans to amplify the experience on offer which will include live music, food trucks and bars, a business and community hub along with our Alley-Oops Skatepark and the Scooter and Skate retail outlet all in the one location.
“It’s such a great site and we know from regular feedback that local people have a strong affinity towards it, we also know from our experience operating Alley-Oops, as well as Scooter and Skate, that we’ll have hundreds of children and families come along and enjoy the skate park each week.
“We’re now working diligently on securing local food and beverage operators along with a range of musical performers and artists to ensure we can provide ongoing entertainment to bring in a regular stream of customers every week.
“We’re also buoyed by the feedback we have received from the broader community who loved their experience visiting the former precinct and want to see it reopen with a renewed push towards a greater variety of family friendly entertainment options,” Chris said.
Lauren said the vision for The Station was to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone to have a good time regardless of their interests, age or ability.
“We want The Station to be a playground for adults and kids alike, a place where people can be safe and enjoy themselves whether they’re skating, enjoying great local food or a drink or two while taking in live music, including big concerts, on either a Friday or Saturday night.
“I’ve got a particular focus on ensuring people with a disability can also come along and have a great time, and we’ll do this by being inclusive and catering to a diverse range of needs,” Lauren said.
Stage One of The Station will include a major concert venue, skate park, retail shops, a food truck precinct and bar area which is set to open on 1 March 2024.
Lauren said the precinct would employ up to 50 casual and around 14 full-time staff when fully operational, and expressions of interest are currently open to those seeking employment as well as musicians, artists and local food and beverage providers.
To find out more and to register your interest in employment or vendor opportunities, please visit: thestationsc.com.au
