Real-life Mario Kart is coming to North Sydney

Shopping centers have long been places to spend a rainy day – and now one North Sydney campus is taking it to the next level with a real-life Mario Kart experience.

Opening in mid-to-late July, the ‘Karts District’ is a converted 1200 square meter space within Greenwood Plaza in North Sydney CBD, with reality karting, virtual reality experiences and interactive gaming attractions.

Fever, a global live entertainment discovery platform, has partnered with the center to bring immersive entertainment functionality, reinforcing the growing role of experiential attractions within retail malls and driving foot traffic beyond traditional shoppers.

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This comes as consumers look for more social, interactive and shareable experiences in traditional retail transactions, resulting in a growing demand for experience-led destinations.

Across Australia and globally, retailers are increasingly integrating entertainment, leisure and cultural offerings in their premises to create mixed-use spaces.

“Consumers today are looking for more than places to shop; they’re looking for places to connect, compete, socialize and create memorable experiences,” said Phil Mallett, Fever Head, APAC.

“Cards District is designed to meet that need by bringing together physical and digital entertainment to appeal to a broad audience, from families and groups of friends to corporate groups.”

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Kelvin Fung, manager of the Center at Greenwood Plaza, said the project reflects a broader shift in the retail property industry, where experiential entertainment is increasingly being used to attract new visitors and support long-term growth.

“We’re seeing a clear shift in what our customers are looking for, with a greater focus on experiences that are social, interactive and a little different from the everyday,” he said.

“The Cards District brings a new, experience-led energy to the center and reflects that changing need.

“Introducing an immersive entertainment activity feels like turning the page to a new chapter for Greenwood Plaza – it’s not just about shopping, it’s about creating a place where people want to spend time, connect and come back to.”

He added that this is the beginning of an exciting new phase for Greenwood Plaza.

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Visitors with multiple experiences can choose from augmented reality racing, free-roam virtual reality, motion simulators and interactive gaming experiences.

It is expected to attract a diverse range of visitors including local office workers and residents, families, tourists and corporate groups, contributing to attendance and activation within the North Sydney CBD.

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