By Parker McKenzie
The first stage of a $355 million renovation of Westfield Knox has been officially opened, featuring a Woolworths, Aldi and fresh food market.
On Thursday 15 December, a crowd gathered to celebrate the opening of the first stage of the redevelopment, with an official ribbon cutting by Woolworths Store Manager Jason Dishon.
Mr Dishon said Woolworths has been trying to get into Westfield Knox for over a decade.
“There have always been two Coles in the centre, so now we get a choice for customers and families to come here and shop,” he said.
“It means a lot for the business to be here, and it’s a big point for me in my career. I’m really excited to welcome families into the new Woolworths here.”
The second stage of the redevelopment — earmarked to be completed throughout 2023 — will see a new 2000 square metre public library, new retail stores and the opening of a multi-purpose community space.
Westfield Knox Centre Manager Kristian Nicholls said in a statement that he is excited to see the launch of the “fresh food gourmet marketplace experience just in time for Christmas and give our customers a look at what we’ve been working on for them.”
“The opening of the first stage at Westfield Knox is just the beginning as we transform the centre into a destination truly designed for community,” he said.
“Welcoming much-loved favourites and new experiences, including fashion and lifestyle retailers, a refreshed food court, community basketball court, swim school and more to come in 2023.”
The renovation also includes new flooring, and ceilings, changes to skylights and upgraded amenities, accessibility improvements including gender-neutral amenities, changing rooms, a calm room and a regularly scheduled quiet hour event at the centre and the installation of a rooftop solar system.
The shopping centre was officially opened in 1977 and has undergone several upgrades, renovations and name changes in the following decades.
Westfield purchased the centre —which at the time was called Knox O-Zone — in October 2012. The planned expansion of the shopping centre has been in the works since 2014.
