Chadstone shopping centre to expand food atrium dining precinct

IT’S known as the fashion capital, but with Chadstone planning to expand one of it’s four dining precincts it might soon become the mecca for Melbourne’s foodies.

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CHADSTONE shopping centre has been given the green light to expand one of its four food courts.

Stonnington Council has approved the retail giant’s plans to revamp the cramped food atrium north of the Myer carpark.

The area will expand by an extra 1148sq m — the equivalent of three tennis courts — with new food and drink outlets, a central sculpture and more seating.

The food court is currently home to shops including Dumplings Plus, Roll’d, Schnitz, Nosh and Mr Pilgrim cafe.

The food atrium at Chadstone will be expanded.

A council report noted the works would be contained within the existing building, and once completed would not increase the centre’s height.

It would also not be visible from neighbouring properties.

Councillor Sally Davis said the application was within the centre’s incorporated plan for the site, making it exempt from public notification requirements.

However she asked council officers to keep a close eye on construction to ensure residents were not unfairly impacted by noise or other issues.

Chadstone general manager Fiona Mackenzie said works would start in mid-February and were expected to be completed in November.

“Works are planned for Chadstone’s East and Southern Cross malls and will include refurbishment works of the old Food Atrium and changes to improve pedestrian flow”, Ms Mackenzie said.

Ms Mackenzie did not give details of new food and drink vendors but said there would be “more choice and more reasons to visit”.

“Once completed, these changes will contribute to maintaining Chadstone’s position as Australia’s number one shopping centre and world-renowned fashion and entertainment hub,” she said.

Last month, the Leader reported work would also soon begin on the centre’s new $130 million Sofitel hotel.

The 13-floor hotel, which is due to welcome its first guests late next year, will include 250 guest bedrooms and feature a day spa, pool, restaurants, a gym, meeting rooms, a bar, and a ballroom capable of hosting events for up to 400 people.

A 10-storey office tower was also added to the massive Dandenong Rd site under the first stage of the centre’s $660 million expansion, as were new retailers, parking and restaurants.

It is the largest shopping centre in Australia, with recorded sales of more than $1.85 billion in the 12 months to September last year.