Swim school and dog parks: is this the future of shopping centres?

Westfield Knox has revealed that Myer's confirmation of exit from the centre allowed it to fast-tracked the first phase of its redevelopment. 

Myer announced in April that it would leave the location by the end of July 2021, as part of its store rationalisation process. 

This confirmation allowed Westfield Knox to commence the redevelopment works in September, pending owner approvals. 

The centre, currently home to more than 350 retailers and spanning over 140,000 sqm, is set to be transformed to create a unique Westfield Living Centre. 

^{Artist's impression of the redeveloped Westfield Knox}

Scentre Group director of development Stewart White said the reimagined centre will have a focus on the needs of current and future communities. 

"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.

"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," he said. 

^{Artist's impression of the redeveloped Westfield Knox}

According to Scentre, the non-traditional retail concepts it is considering have a focus on communal spaces. 

Such spaces could include a public library, swim schools, a gated dog park, co-working offices and multi-sports centres as part of the Westfield Knox experience.

The redeveloped centre will also contain an enhanced fresh food offer, as well as elevated fashion, beauty, homewares, financial, health and education retail stores and experiences. 

Customers can share their feedback and learn more about the redevelopment at a dedicated kiosk on level two of the centre. 

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

Westfield Knox is located in Wantirna South in Melbourne's outer east.