Westfield Knox in Wantirna South in line for redevelopment
Plans have finally been revealed for a new-look Knox Shopping Centre, with plans to scale back Myer just one of a number of changes Westfield has in store for the outdated centre. Here’s what shoppers can expect.
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A casual dining precinct with outdoor children’s play area surrounded by a cafe will be part of a revamped Westfield Knox.
Exclusive artist impressions of the proposed upgrade reveal what shoppers can expect to see when the long-awaited upgrade, for which plans have been lodged with Knox Council, is completed.
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Stewart White, of Scentre Group — which lodged the plans on behalf of Westfield — said updated plans include a fashion, fresh food and casual dining precinct.
Mr White, the group’s development and strategic asset management director, said the centre was planning an outdoor children’s play area surrounded by a cafe and dining for families to enjoy.
He said as part of the plans Knox Council would relocate the library from the centre to Knox Ozone — but did not reveal a specific location.
“We are in positive discussions with Myer to reduce to two floors, allowing for the introduction of other retail partners, as well as dedicated office space,” Mr White said.
“We’ve listened to our customers, and we know our reinvestment into Westfield Knox is especially important for local families and members of the community.”
Scentre Group has lodged a development application with Knox Council on behalf of Westfield, five years after the $450 million expansion to the centre was initially announced — which would have made it the second largest shopping centre in Australia behind Chadstone.
But that’s where its plans stagnated and Knox Leader last year revealed the redevelopment was scaled back, with a new design, fewer shops and less parking than originally intended.
Wantirna South’s Alexander Zulkarnain said the centre occupied a great part of Knox history and it was disappointing nothing had been done to “unlock its potential”.
“What needs to be done is almost like asking ‘where do you want me to start?’,” Mr Zulkarnain said.
“There are just simply too many, and many shoppers and friends I spoke with have given up and moved to either Eastland, The Glen or Chadstone, even thought it’s more than 20km away.”
Vicinity recently announced its $685 million redevelopment plans for Chadstone, which includes a boost to its carpark spaces, fresh food and dining precincts.
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This comes after the centre manager finished its five-stage $430 million redevelopment at The Glen.
Meanwhile, Eastland in Ringwood underwent its major renovation in 2016, and boasts big name retailers including H&M and David Jones.
And Westfield Doncaster is in line for $500 million expansion including an expanded food court and more shops.