Northcote Central: upgrades promised for shopping centre
Shoppers have labelled this northern suburbs shopping complex a ‘slum’ — and while centre managers have hinted at a huge makeover, they’ve been tight-lipped about specifics.
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Online documents have revealed plans for a massive upgrade to Northcote Central shopping centre.
It comes as frustrated shoppers call out for improvements, saying the centre is “truly depressing”.
The centre management plans reveal a seven-level shopping complex with rooftop bars and a movie theatre, as well as shops and eateries.
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Information on the Northcote Central website boasts up to 30 retail spaces on each of the four shopping levels, and up to 600 parking spaces.
But despite teasing an upgrade on their social media accounts since June 2018, there is no word on when the development will start.
A planning application was submitted for the site in October 2018 but was knocked back with a request for further information.
And while locals love the centre, they say it is in desperate need of an update.
Shopper Karin Derkley said she was envious of more modern centres such as Barkly Square in Brunswick.
“Northcote Central is truly depressing with its two-dollar shops and aroma of formaldehyde,” she said.
The complex is centred on retailers Lincraft, The Reject Shop and Aldi and has 14 other specialty shops.
Northcote resident Elizabeth Connell said both the centre and Northcote Plaza, which is next door, needed to redesign their exteriors to make a more vibrant atmosphere.
“Considering how many people go to this area, I think it should be improved aesthetically and socially,” she said.
“Northcote Central is (a) mass produced concrete instant slum, with weeds and dead plants.”
It is understood an investor paid $34 million for the ageing centre in November 2017.
Agents believed the retail complex would be turned into apartments.
Northcote Central management did not respond to multiple requests for comment.