Westfield Knox has announced the next stage of its $355 million redevelopment will open from 8 June, featuring an enhanced fashion and lifestyle offer with 20 new and returning retailers, a number of community initiatives, including a full-sized NBL basketball court, and nature-inspired outdoor kids play space.
To celebrate the launch, customers can experience live music and roaming entertainment, sporting personality meet and greets, and a ‘Hello Knox’ activation showcasing the latest retailer arrivals with an array of member giveaways from 8 June. The basketball court will come alive with basketball competitions, shootouts and giveaways.
Westfield Knox Centre Manager, Kristian Nicholls said: “Our $355 million investment in Westfield Knox is progressing well as we prepare to open the next stage of the development in just a few weeks’ time.
“A series of new and returning fashion and lifestyle brands will open the doors to their new stores for the first time, as well as our brand new full-sized NBL basketball court and outdoor kids play space – creating more reasons for our customers to visit and spend time with us.”
Opening from 8 June, the elevated fashion and lifestyle retail offer will see fashion lovers shop to their hearts’ content at the brand-new Gorman, All About Eve and Dangerfield, and see Forever New, Decjuba, Factorie and Ally return. Men’s fashion will see streetwear at the forefront with the new-look Neverland and YD stores.
This next phase of the $355m development is a significant milestone in the broader transformation of Westfield Knox
Active lifestylers will appreciate new additions, including outdoor adventure retailer Macpac, premium lifestyle and US streetwear retailer Stateside Sports, interactive bikes from Trek Bikes, and running experts ASICS. Well-loved favourites Kathmandu and JB Hi-Fi will relocate from Ozone, while rebel will open its largest ‘rcx’ (rebel Customer Experience) format store in Victoria, focusing on interaction and immersion. The store will feature zones dedicated to virtual gaming and an Innovation Room with state-of-the-art technology and top-of-the-line products from around the world.
Westfield Knox customers can also get their fitness fix at the new-look KX Pilates and enjoy a wind-down at café Moon & Spoon.
Following input from the community, a full-sized NBL basketball court will open alongside the enhanced fashion and lifestyle offer. The innovative communal space will be managed in partnership with local basketball association, Knox Basketball, and will see junior teams use it for training, competition games and clinics during the school holidays.
A full-sized NBL basketball court is set to open alongside the enhanced fashion and lifestyle offer
Children will be able to test their skills on the giant leaf-shaped climber and big tree net in the new outdoor kids play space inspired by the local environment of the Dandenong Ranges. The region’s plants and animals feature in the innovative and interactive design which also dedicates space for families to rest and relax in the shaded seating areas or enjoy a bite to eat from the nearby Sugar Buns café.
A new parking management system will also launch in line with the June 8 opening, with licence plate recognition and guidance technology to make it quicker and easier for customers to find a park. The majority of customers will continue to park for free, with a free parking period of up to three hours available to all customers and up to four hours for Westfield members.
Customers will be able to access all-gender amenities on level 2 and a calm room on level 1, and artwork by Indigenous artists the Young family and Brook Andrew.
“This next phase of the development is a significant milestone in the broader transformation and takes us one step closer to delivering a world-class retail social and lifestyle destination for Melbourne’s East.
“We look forward to sharing more exciting fashion, dining and international mini-major retailer news over the coming months,” added Nicholls.
Westfield Knox, VIC
The transformation of Westfield Knox
- New gourmet marketplace on Level 1, featuring over 30 retail partners and food catering experiences, including Woolworths and ALDI supermarkets.
To be completed throughout 2023
- The Level 2 retail mix will span a diverse mix of over 20 new and existing retail partners, including rebel and JB Hi-Fi. The mix will feature fashion, beauty, lifestyle, youth and homewares, as well as other uses.
- Unveiling of the new NBL (National Basketball League) specified full-sized basketball court.
- Introduction of a new parking management system to support customer experience.
- New 2,000m2 Knox public library.
- Introduction of a new mini-major precinct featuring new and existing brands.
- A new swim school concept operated by Aquatic Achievers, featuring a 25-metre pool offering swimming lessons for children up to 12 years of age.
- Opening of new multi-purpose community space.
Ongoing
- Comprehensive internal updates include new flooring, new ceilings, changes to skylights and finishes throughout, as well as upgraded amenities.
- Improved accessibility, including gender-neutral amenities, changing places facilities, a calm room, and a regularly scheduled ‘quiet hour’ event to be implemented in the centre
- Installation of onsite rooftop solar system, glass crushing, food composting system, smart recycling bins and rainwater harvesting tank.
