Westfield Knox is putting the community at the heart of its redevelopment plans, as it outlines its vision to create an elevated retail and lifestyle destination curated specifically for its customers across Melbourne’s East.

The centre, currently home to more than 350 retailers and spanning a GLA of more than 140,000m2 (the 8th largest centre in Australia according to SCN‘s Big Guns report), will be transformed to create a unique Westfield Living Centre complete with much-loved existing and new, innovative retail experiences.

A brand-new fresh food market featuring a curated section of operators alongside a new Woolworths and ALDI

Myer’s confirmation of its departure earlier this year has fast-tracked the first phase of the development, now targeting commencement from September, pending owner approvals.

A brand-new fresh food market featuring a curated selection of operators and a food catering experience will be located alongside a new Woolworths supermarket. In addition, Westfield Knox has today announced ALDI will also join the centre when the precinct opens in 2022.

Westfield Knox will be transformed to create a unique offering specifically for its customers across Melbourne’s East

Planning for the redevelopment of Level 2 and upgrades to the remainder of the centre is underway and will be informed by community input.

Scentre Group’s Director of Development, Stewart White said: “We’re excited about sharing our vision for Westfield Knox with the local community and hearing their feedback on some of the unique concepts being considered.

“We’re taking the opportunity to reconsider the whole centre experience, listen to our customers and community and create something that is purpose-built to meet their needs for decades to come.

Indoor – outdoor retail, public library, sport and recreation parks, swim school, co-working are being explored

“Our customers have told us they’re passionate about an active lifestyle, family and coming together for social experiences. They also value working close to nature, embracing culture and diversity, education and living healthy and happy lifestyles. This sets up an exciting direction for the Westfield Knox experience and we’re actively exploring how we can best deliver a multi-use offer and services mix that fits this brief, within our environment.

“Further to our recent announcement about Woolworths, we’re excited to announce the addition of ALDI to our retail mix. We know ALDI is a retailer sought-after by Knox customers and our strong relationship with ALDI has enabled us to introduce them to the centre as part of this redevelopment.

Planning for the development of Level 2 and upgrades to the remainder of the centre is underway

We look forward to sharing further information about our plans for the centre, including new retailer announcements, later this year.”

The enhanced retail offer at Westfield Knox will span a breadth of categories and uses. In addition to fresh food, these may include additional dining, quick eats, fashion, beauty, homewares, youth, education, sport and recreation, commercial, home and DIY, financial, health, medical and more.

New retail concepts and experiences are being explored with community front of mind

Non-traditional concepts and experiences currently being explored include a contemporary public library. Other communal spaces may also include:

• Indoor and outdoor recreation areas
• Swim schools
• Gated dog park
• Co-working offices
• Multi-sports centres
• Multi-purpose spaces for arts performances and lessons, conferences and functions, tutoring and education.

A dedicated kiosk will be located opposite the food court on Level 2 of Westfield Knox giving customers the opportunity to learn more about the vision for the redevelopment and share their feedback.