Melbourne’s Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is planning to build a a competition-grade basketball stadium on its third level, marking an innovative shift in suburban retail spaces.
The centre has lodged a Development Application with Whitehorse City Council for the three-court facility, to be developed in partnership with Nunawading Basketball and Basketball Victoria.
This first-of-its-kind facility in Melbourne’s east will feature professional-standard courts, training areas, and community spaces designed to nurture local talent while promoting health and wellness. The project would transform the 60-year-old shopping centre into a multifaceted community hub that blends retail, sport, and entertainment.
“We’re creating dynamic spaces that go beyond traditional retail,” said Forest Hill Chase Centre Manager Ingrid Vanin. “This venture connects us deeper with our community and supports the next generation of athletes while promoting fitness for everyone.”
The stadium forms part of a broader trend redefining suburban shopping centres. Haben Managing Director Ben Finger noted: “Gone are the days when retail was purely transactional. It’s now about experience, engagement, and community connection.
The project now awaits council approval, potentially creating a new model for how retail spaces can serve contemporary community needs beyond shopping. With its mix of sport, retail and community engagement, Forest Hill Chase is rewriting the playbook for suburban shopping centres.
