Knox City shopping centre redevelopment: Nene Chicken, Dumpling Alley opening

New stores and eateries are set to open as part of Westfield Knox’s $355m revamp, but one beloved shop is staying put.

Westfield Knox has revealed some of the new stores, cafes and restaurants that are set to open as part of the centre’s $355m redevelopment.

Along with Woolworths and Aldi, this December the centre will welcome Asian Food Connection, Selene’s Chocolate Bar, Sugar Buns, Walkers Doughnuts, Yarra Range Chickens, Qinn Massage, Blossom Lane, The Nail Bar Company, Optimax Optometrists and Mobile Experts, along with the return of Prouds jewellers.

A new Dining Hall will also be home to Nene Chicken, Dumpling Alley, Master Lanzhou Noodle Express, Maguro Bar, Sushi Jiro, OMI, Local Hero, Alleyway Kitchen, No 1. Malatang and a new Chatime.

Existing fresh food stores Market Place Fresh, The Butcher Club, Fisch, Go Vita, Bakers Delight and Breadtop will be moving into the new precinct.

Matchbox, Strandbags, Hairhouse, OPSM, Shaver Shop, Just Cuts, Kingsmen Hair, Williams and Tobacco Station will all be relocating into the new area on Level 1.

Westfield Knox management said the announcement was “just the beginning” of the centre’s transformation, with fashion, lifestyle, community facilities and more coming next year.

There are plans for a full-sized basketball court, swim school, Knox library, and a refreshed and relocated food court, while paid parking is also on the way.

On the Westfield Knox Facebook page, not everyone was impressed with the announcement.

“Shame Country Road, Decjuba, Witchery and Myer are no longer there. That is actually what is needed at Knox,” Anabela said, while Amelia said she would like to see Big W open.

“And bring back the nice brand boutique clothes shops.”

But it’s good news for loyal fans of Royal Donuts Knox, with the centre’s longest running retailer, and arguably the most popular, set to remain in its current location.

The store has been running for 42 years, and owner Con Scopas and his family have no plans on closing.

John and Con Scopas from Royal Donuts at Westfield Knox in 2019. Picture: Andy Brownbill

John Scopas said the store would stay in its current location, with part of the new food court coming down near them.

“There will be some works around us (but we will be in the same spot),” he said.

He said he was nervous and excited about the Knox redevelopment.

“This is what people have been waiting for for a long time, so I think it’s good it’s getting done now.”