Readings Chadstone has now opened!
Located in Chadstone shopping centre’s bustling The Market Pavilion, you’ll find it among all the other shops you’d hope to find on a high street including a butcher, a florist, and cheese and chocolate makers.
To create a welcoming environment, we enlisted Kerstin Thompson Architects, the same firm that designed Readings Emporium and Hawthorn. The brief was simple: to create a sanctuary for booklovers, enticing customers in with displays of new and interesting titles at the front, and drawing them in further to discover a world of books.
There’s an intimate events area for author talks and book launches towards the back of the shop; and tucked into the back right corner is a large kids’ section, with carpet and lots of seating to provide a place for children to read and engage with books. The centrepiece is a stunning lantern designed by local artist Edward Linacre and made by recycling misprinted books.
Accessibility
During trading hours, the entrance is always open and clear of any obstructions. Shelves and tables have been arranged to leave wide spaces, to keep the shop accessible for wheelchair users and people whose mobility is impaired. The shop is flat and single level, with no ramps or steps; though the floor is made from reclaimed bluestone, which means there are some irregularities in the surface. The Kids section is carpeted. There are also bench seats in the shop, for customers who need to rest while browsing.
There is clear black and white signage throughout the shop. Products are stocked at a variety of heights, but if you encounter hard-to-reach titles, staff members are always on hand to help.
The Market Pavilion at Chadstone is also fully accessible for wheelchair users and other mobility aids, from both the carpark and the public transport terminal. The bathrooms on the level are also accessible and include a changing place and a quiet sensory room.
