Burwood One Shopping Centre upgrades: New dining and entertainment precinct in the works

A new dining and entertainment precinct is part of a $20m upgrade planned for a popular shopping centre in Melbourne’s east, home to the country’s oldest Kmart.

A render of the Burwood One redevelopment.

The latest redevelopment plans for Burwood One Shopping Centre have been revealed, with a new dining and entertainment precinct part of the $20m proposal.

The operators of the popular centre in Burwood East, home to Australia’s oldest Kmart, have applied to Whitehorse Council to amend the redevelopment plans for the site, including adding an extra level to the previously approved extension.

Whitehorse Leader previously reported the upgrade works at Burwood One will focus on the western side of the U-shaped shopping centre, which boasts its dining and food precinct and its Coles supermarket.

An artist's impression of upgrades of part of the Burwood One shopping centre. Picture: Supplied.

Plans were unveiled in 2021 for a new facade, signage and two extra levels to be built to provide more space for new shops in the precinct.

Leader reported that parking will remain free and almost 100 extra parking spots will be created in the southwest corner of the centre through the expansion of its existing multi-level carpark.

A Whitehorse City Council spokesperson said there was now an amendment on notice for changes to redevelopment plans.

The amendment includes:

– changes to the approved facade and signage of the western portion of the shopping centre

– a mezzanine added to the carpark

– an additional floor level to the approved front extension

– internal layout reconfiguration for the western portion

– uses to be predominantly food and drink

– an indoor play centre instead of the proposed childcare centre, which will be in roughly in the same location as where the gym was approved under a previous amendment.

A Burwood One spokesperson said the amendment would add an additional level to accommodate for an entertainment offering, “which will allow our customers to enjoy a brand new dining offering alongside entertainment in the new precinct”.

“Once we receive the approval we will be able to finalise our schedule of works before works begin,” the spokesperson said.

“Visitors will notice some cosmetic upgrades to the external facade of the centre, and can look forward to a new tenant alongside the brand new dining and entertainment precinct.”

The spokesperson confirmed there was no longer a childcare centre as part of the upgrades proposed.

“We are hoping to include a playcentre or another family-friendly offering where the gym was once located.”

Popular sweet chain Daniel’s Donuts is also set to open in the centre soon, near Coles.

Burwood One has transformed into an Asian food hot spot, with Australia’s first Marrybrown restaurant recently opening, joining China Bar, Discovery Fusion BBQ Buffet, Dragon Hot Pot and Wagyu Fun.

Marrybrown, Malaysian crispy chicken chain, has opened its first Australian store at Burwood One.

Customers have been lining up to get their hands on the crispy chicken at Marrybrown, a renowned Malaysian restaurant chain with more than 500 locations across the globe.

“We’re thrilled to have Australia’s first Marrybrown here at Burwood One. The demand has been very strong since opening last week, it’s a fantastic addition to our centre,” the spokesperson said.

HOW BURWOOD ONE HAS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS

New Kmart opens on the corner of Blackburn Rd and Burwood Highway in 1969.

Prams lined up outside Kmart Burwood East.

24 December 1987. Even at 4.30am you can still have trouble trying to find a parking spot as shoppers found out at the Burwood Kmart store.

1969. Australia's first Kmart store in East Burwood.

1969. Check-outs at the East Burwood Kmart, after almost three months of trading.

Undated picture of Mrs H.B. Cunningham, wife of the President and Chairman of S.S. Kresge Co. She cuts the ribbon to mark the opening of Australia's first Kmart at East Burwood, Melbourne. Assisting her is Kmart manager Mr. Langley.

Kmart, East Burwood.

Staff at Kmart East Burwood in 1969.

Walking up the hill to Kmart.

Kmart in the 1990s.

Kmart employees with a combined 50 years of service in the very first Kmart store in Burwood East. Cathy Turner operations manager with 22 years service and Sean McCann a planner in the national office and former store manager at the Burwood East store with 30 years service. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Burwood One shopping centre in recent years.