Eastland Shopping Centre confirms food concept store planned for space vacated by McDonald’s

MCDONALD’S has shut up shop at Eastland Shopping Centre with news it’s to make way for an upmarket “food concept store”.

Generic images, McDonalds, Mcdonalds sign

MCDONALD’S in Eastland has shut down and a new “food concept store” is already in the pipeline.

Comments from people on a Maroondah Facebook community noticeboard have suggested high costs during the redevelopment period forced the fast-food giant to close down at the site.

But McDonald’s spokesman Craig Grant refused to comment on the price of rent, only saying the store closed down on Sunday at the end of the lease period.

He said all 37 crew members had been redeployed to other nearby restaurants.

RELATED:George Calombaris and Frank Camorra open Eastland eateries

HAVE YOUR SAY: What would you like to see in the space? Tell us below.

The closure comes as George Calombaris and Frank Camorra announced they will open eateries at the Ringwood centre.

Centre manager Steve Edgerton said the shopping centre was working towards a “vibrant and evolving urban destination” that brought together the “finest contemporary gastronomy, fashion, style and design”.

He said Eastland was finalising negotiations for a new “food concept store” at the McDonald’s location, but also refused to comment on the price of rent.

“Eastland regularly reviews its retail mix in line with normal lease cycles to ensure a dynamic offer,” Mr Edgerton said.

“It is not appropriate for us to comment further on the commercial operations and financial arrangements in place with our retailers.”

McDonald’s has another restaurant on Maroondah Highway, Ringwood.