Croydon Central: Shoppers call for refresh of The Grove food hall

An out-of-the-box idea for a revamped shopping centre in Maroondah has flopped according to shoppers, who are calling for big changes.

Shoppers are calling for a major shake-up to a “windy, cold” and “uninviting” food hall in Melbourne’s outer east, despite it opening just over a year ago.

Croydon Central shopping centre’s The Grove precinct has been labelled “a joke” for its offerings and design, which features mostly Asian eateries in shipping containers.

The precinct opened as part of the first stage of the centre’s long planned $20 million redevelopment in May 2020.

But despite trade and foot traffic being impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, readers appear to be unimpressed with the precinct’s offerings, and have called for major chains such as KFC, Nandos and Subway to come to the centre.

Shoppers feel sorry for traders in The Grove at Croydon Central, including Joyce Chong and John Zhu at Dumpling Folks. Picture: Hamish Blair

On Maroondah Leader’s Facebook page, Lisa Brumby said the dining hall was “uninviting and lacks a variety of takeaway”, while Jenny Lee and Kathy Macdonald said there was a lack of variety.

Ms Macdonald said a local brewery or a gin distillery would be an “innovative addition”.

Sonja Pawsey wrote: “The outdoor food area is a joke, looks like it’s a late afterthought with some shipping containers thrown in.

“It certainly does not connect the main hub of the centre.”

Carol Collins said the food hall was “abysmal” and Kaye Herps-Roser said it was “in a really bad spot”.

Kathryn Caddy said she felt sorry for the traders in the “windy and cold” food hall, who appeared desperate to attract customers.

“It’s been badly affected by Covid and it’s generally so uninviting,’’ she said.

“You walk in and they all peer over the counter hoping you come to them, it’s sad.”

Meanwhile, other suggestions to revamp the centre included Kmart, Best and Less and a Village Cinemas complex.

Kellie Anne felt the centre needed “new and updated” clothing stores such as Cotton On, Spendless Shoes and Supre.

“So many outdated and pointless ‘stores’ in there”, she wrote.

The centre’s layout was also criticised with Kim Duran saying the toilets were “in a stupid spot”.

But Kate Wilson disagreed, saying the layout was “simple and easy”.

The centre’s second stage of its redevelopment was completed earlier this year, with a childcare centre and a gym opening at the old home of the ALDI supermarket, which moved inside the centre.

Croydon Central’s owners, Haben Group, have been contacted for comment.