Westfield Knox: Knox City Shopping Centre redevelopment yet to start

Shoppers are growing impatient waiting for the long-awaited redevelopment of “sad and old” Westfield Knox. But a new tenant is set to fill the gap left by the much-loved Irish pub.

An artist’s impression of the Westfield Knox redevelopment.

Six years after the first upgrade plans were announced, shoppers are still waiting for the redevelopment of Westfield Knox to begin.
And many shoppers are deserting the “sad and old” complex, preferring to go to the upgraded Eastland or The Glen instead.

When Leader visited Westfield Knox on Tuesday, there were at least 10 empty shops, with the Suncorp bank among the retailers permanently closed.

It’s now been more than six years since a $450 million expansion to the centre was initially announced, with work yet to begin.

Leader revealed in December 2019 the revised revamp of Westfield Knox is set to include a fashion, fresh food and casual dining precinct, including an outdoor children’s play area surrounded by a cafe.

The library is also set to move from the centre to Knox Ozone, and Myer will reduced to two floors, allowing for the introduction of other retail partners, as well as dedicated office space.

An empty store at Westfield Knox.

Some retailers have not reopened after the coronavirus lockdown.

On Knox Leader’s Facebook page, Emily Fay said Knox was “tired and dated” and desperately needed an upgrade to rival or be on par with Eastland.

Wendy McDonald suggested management remove one of the centre’s two Coles supermarkets and put in a Woolworths or Big W instead.

“We have lived in the area most of our lives and always shopped at Knox but it’s so outdated and behind the times that it is boring,” she said.

“We now go to Eastland to shop – fantastic shopping centre with everything you need and very clean and fresh.”

Ediemay Gauci said Knox needed a complete upgrade.

“You just need to look at Eastland, The Glen, Chadstone and Doncaster and they make Knox look so low class. It needs an injection of exciting retail shops, a Woolworths or Aldi and (an) upgrade of amenities,” Ediemay said.

“Put a bit of glamour and class into this sad old shopping complex.”

Monique Carnell said the centre didn’t need any more nail salons, barbers, sushi stores, massage or phone repair stores.

“What about an Apple store, Mecca, Sephora, Big W, Woolies just anything to uplift the place,” she said.

“I’ve always gone to Knox however now if I need to go shopping I head to Eastland.”

A Westfield Knox spokesperson said the majority of retail stores at the centre had reopened after lockdown, with more expected to open in the coming weeks as restrictions ease.

“We’ve recently welcomed TK Maxx and Baby Bunting to the centre with a number of new brands due to arrive before Christmas,” the spokesman said.

“In relation to the development, we remain committed to investing in a renewal of Westfield Knox which will cater to the needs and interests of our community, particularly families. We will have more updates to share in 2021.”

A Knox Council spokesperson said a planning permit in relation to the development was issued in May.

Meanwhile the cinemas at Knox Ozone have had a spruce-up over lockdown, with a new foyer and candy bar now open.

And new bar Roc’s Social is also set to open next to the now closed Seamus O’Toole’s Irish pub.

Roc's Social is opening at Knox Ozone.

The much-loved Irish remains boarded up after closing in March.

The Irish closed in March, with management posting on Facebook:

“We will never be forgotten, as we are forever in your hearts.

“We will continue our longstanding Westfield relationship and are presently exploring all options for a new modern Irish concept so stay ready for more to come.”

Restaurant and bar Martini & Co. is also set to open in place of the closed Paesano Italian restaurant.

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