Knox City: Westfield Knox shopping centre shop upgrades finally announced
After more than two years Westfield Knox is about to undergo major renovations — and you won’t believe who is moving into the centre.
East
Don't miss out on the headlines from East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
German discount supermarket Aldi will headline the latest development of Westfield Knox.
This comes as Scentre Group, the mall’s owner, reveals it is about to kick off the long-awaited first phase renovation plans, which have been on hold since 2019.
Aldi will join Woolworths in the centre’s supermarket expansion on the first floor, replacing Myer.
Earlier this year Myer Holdings Limited announced it would pull out of its more than 40-year home at the centre this month.
The closure of the department store struck a blow to the centre which has become rundown, with recent store closures including Harvey Norman and McDonald’s.
Renovations, aiming to start in September, include a casual dining precinct with outdoor children’s play area surrounded by a cafe.
The group is also putting in a fresh food market and food catering experience near the supermarkets.
Scentre Group is working on plans for Phase 2 of the upgrade and the community is urged to have its say on what should be included.
Knox Council is in talks with the centre’s owner about including a new Knox Library on the site.
The group’s development director, Stewart White, said there would be more announcements about shops later this year.
Mr White said these would include more fresh food, dining, fashion, beauty, homewares, youth, education, sport commercial, home, DIY, financial, health and medical.
He said part of the plans being looked at was the library linking to communal spaces including indoor and outdoor recreational areas, a pool, dog park, offices, sport centres and hall for community use.
Mr White said the group was keen to get the input of customers and the community to create a purpose-built centre to meet everyone’s needs.
“Our customers have told us they’re passionate about an active lifestyle, family and coming together for social experiences,” Mr White said.
“We know Aldi is a retailer sought after by Knox customers and our strong relations with Aldi has enabled us to introduced them to the centre as part of this development.”
Community members can have their say and give feedback at the level 2 kiosk.
Follow Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader and Knox Leader on Facebook to keep up to date with other local stories.