In 2024, The Festive Store proudly designed and installed a vibrant, custom-built Neighbourhood play space at Moonee Ponds Central. Inspired by the charm of a local urban neighbourhood, this immersive installation transformed a retail centre environment into a welcoming, interactive area for families and children.
Neighbourhood play space – design concept
The central theme of the installation was “Neighbourhood,” reflecting community, colour, and creativity. The Neighbourhood play space featured custom facades of whimsical buildings in a variety of pastel and primary colours reflecting the national MIRVAC retail campaign. The individual houses then creating the illusion of a miniature town. These façades were strategically arranged to form a visually engaging enclosure that sparks imagination and curiosity in children and creates a photogenic and inviting area within the shopping centre.
Key design features included:
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A neighbourhood-style gateway entrance, echoing the architecture of residential homes.
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Fully enclosed custom wooden picket fencing for safety and boundary definition.
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Durable vinyl timber-look flooring to enhance the warm, homey aesthetic while ensuring easy maintenance.
Neighbourhood play space – functionality and use
The Neighbourhood play space was designed with multi-functional intent, providing both activity and relaxation zones for families. The play space primary uses include:
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Children’s Craft Workshops: Themed craft sessions are hosted regularly, engaging kids in hands-on creative activities.
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Storytelling Sessions: The space is used for scheduled readings, fostering a love for books and literacy in a community-oriented setting.
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Quiet Time Area: A peaceful retreat within the hustle and bustle of the mall, where families can pause, relax, and enjoy downtime together.
- Theming: During holiday events such as Halloween and Easter the area was transformed into a themed interactive area for chilldren to enjoy the holidays.
Neighbourhood play space – interactive features
The Neighbourdoo play space included thoughtfully integrated interactive elements:
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A fidget wall housed within a house-shaped structure, offering sensory play through tactile toys, puzzles, spinning blocks, and moving parts.
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Bookshelves with rotating access to children’s books, complementing the storytelling program and encouraging free play reading.
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Soft play blocks for building and senosory play
The impact
The neighbourhood play space has added tangible value to the Moonee Ponds Central experience. By offering a functional yet fun family destination, the activation encourages longer dwell times, enriches the centre’s community atmosphere, and supports parents with young children during shopping trips.