Westfield Knox to unveil new shops, basketball court, paid parking

The latest stage of Knox Shopping Centre’s huge redevelopment has officially opened, with more popular brands set to open at the centre soon.

Westfield Knox has unveiled the latest stage of its $355m redevelopment on Thursday, with more big brands set to join the centre soon.

A full-sized basketball court and nature-inspired outdoor kids play space, along with an enhanced fashion and lifestyle retail precinct officially opened Thursday morning.

Clothing stores Gorman and Dangerfield, a huge new rebel store and Stateside Sports store were among the new retailers to open.

Westfield Knox has also announced JD Sports and General Pants are set to open at the centre soon, along with Mad Mex, KFC and Subway at “a reimagined and relocated” food court.

Westfield Knox centre manager Kristian Nicholls said: “We’re delighted to celebrate with our community as we unveil the new fashion and lifestyle precinct, which from today will see over 20 new stores, including brands like Gorman and Dangerfield arrive at Westfield Knox for the very first time. The opening of these stores gives our customers a taste of the reimagined Westfield Knox and is just the beginning of the retail evolution we will see come to life across the rest of the year.”

The full-sized FIBA grade basketball court was put to good use this morning, with women’s basketball star Bec Cole shooting the first hoop, before members of the Knox Basketball Association, Karoo Primary School and Koorie Basketball Academy tested it out.

Once complete Westfield Knox will span about 144,810sq m and feature seven major retail partners and about 350 specialty stores.

Melbourne star Jack Viney with staff at the new rebel store.

A new 2000sq m Knox Library and new swim school concept Aquatic Achievers, featuring a 25m pool offering swimming lessons for children up to 12 years of age, will also open later tis year.

Aldi and Woolworths also recently opened at the centre in a new fresh food precinct.

A controversial paid parking system for staff and customers has also kicked in.

Under the new parking system, staff will get the first four hours of parking free, before being charged $5 a day.

Customers will get the first three hours of parking free, or four if they are a Westfield Plus member. Shoppers who stay between three and three and a half hours will be hit with a $5 fee, with the rate climbing to a maximum of $35 for those who stay more than six and a half hours.

Visitors to the centre this weekend will be able to showcase their skills at the new basketball court, and enjoy live music, face painting and roaming entertainment.

Basketballers Mason Peatling and Ben Ayre at the opening of the new Westfield Knox basketball court.

Shoppers can also check out new Gorman, All About Eve and Dangerfield stores, and see Forever New, Decjuba, Factorie and Ally return.

Outdoor lovers can also check out adventure retailer Macpac, premium lifestyle and US streetwear retailer Stateside Sports, interactive bikes from Trek Bikes, and running experts ASICS.

Shoppers checking out the new stores.

The new fashion precinct.

Inside the new rebel store.

Aussie basketball star Bec Cole taking the first shot.

Checking out the new basketball court.

Rebel staff.

Shooting hoops on the new court.

Australian Basketballer Bec Cole at the launch of the new basketball court at Westfield Knox. Pictured with kids from the Koorie Academy Basketball Ricky, Jade and Hunter. Picture: Wayne Taylor.

Staff at the new Gorman store.

The new play space.

The new Stateside Sports store.

Local players checked out the new basketball court.