Judges’ Citation

Area 51 BNE & Alien Night Market is a great example of an entrepreneur seeing a location and a building, and just going for it. This project takes the well-recognised building shell of a Bunnings warehouse and flips its function from home improvement to fun, friends and food. The internal space is re-created as an indoor games and event venue with oversized inflatables, adventure games and sound. The tired outdoor nursery space has been transformed into a vibrant food market, operating in the evenings. The building design doesn’t take itself too seriously. Street art and neon lighting transform the façade of the ‘big box’ and highlight to visitors you have arrived at a place where you can expect the unexpected. Area 51 BNE is a place for everyone; for the young and the young-at-heart, and is well positioned to make a positive contribution to the weekend and night-time economy of Underwood and beyond.