Croydon Central redevelopment delayed again, now expected to open by Easter 2020
Forget Christmas — Croydon shoppers may now have to wait till Easter to enjoy their $20 million shopping centre redevelopment, with management blaming one factor beyond their control for the latest setback.
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Croydon shoppers won’t be getting their previously-promised Christmas present of a redeveloped shopping centre.
Progress on the $20 million redevelopment of Croydon Central has hit a snag, with its expected completion date pushed into next year.
Owners Haben Group initially said the redevelopment would be completed in time for Christmas 2019 when construction began in October last year.
But an update on the shopping centre’s website this month stated the redevelopment would now be finished by “early 2020”.
Haben Group spokeswoman Karla Bucoy told Maroondah Leader inclement weather during winter had caused the delays.
She said the new centre would launch prior to Easter and key works would take place shortly.
“Over the coming weeks a refresh of the external building will take place as the centre draws closer to delivering a vibrant new space for our community to shop and dine,” Ms Bucoy said.
The centre has also revealed its new floor plan, featuring the relocation of the ALDI supermarket inside the centre.
The redeveloped centre will also include new dining precinct The Grove, a butcher, greengrocer, childcare centre, medical centre and gym.
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Nathan Hill, who runs The Croydon Project Facebook page, said he didn’t mind the redevelopment being delayed by a few months provided it was done properly.
“These things do take time and I think everyone wants them to get the plan right,” he said.
“It’s going to trigger a refresh of a few different sites around Croydon, and Central is a good start to get a few more options,” he said.
Centre management have remained tight-lipped on any new retailers coming to Croydon Central.
Readers have previously stated on Maroondah Leader’s Facebook page they would like to see big names such as Kmart, Big W, TK Maxx, Dan Murphys, JB Hi-Fi and Best and Less.
Twenty luxury townhouses will also be built behind the shopping centre on Kent Ave.