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One of Melbourne's fave CBD shopping destinations is getting a major makeover. This week, developers GPT Group confirmed that construction has officially kicked off on a $170 million expansion of Melbourne Central – a glow-up that will bring a huge new entertainment and dining precinct to the heart of the city.
Set to be completed in 2028, the redevelopment will add around 7,800 square metres of new retail space across levels three and four, expanding the centre to approximately 63,000 square metres. Alongside Melbourne's very first flagship Books Kinokuniya store, visitors can expect a large-format entertainment venue, new dining precincts and more than ten new food retailers.
According to the team, the overhaul has been designed to transform Melbourne Central into an after-dark destination in its own right. Already home to more than 260 retailers across five levels, the precinct attracts more than 55 million visitors each year and records annual sales exceeding $700 million. Once complete, the expanded centre will operate as an "18/7" destination – with an even stronger focus on late-night dining and entertainment.
For book lovers, the arrival of Kinokuniya is the headline act. Already beloved for its sprawling stores in Sydney and around the world, the retailer has chosen Melbourne Central for its first Victorian flagship, citing Melbourne's status as a UNESCO City of Literature and the centre's connection to the city's student and creative communities. Keen readers won't have to wait until 2028 to browse the shelves, either – a temporary Kinokuniya concept store will open on level two before the permanent flagship launches.
Construction on the revamped site (between Lonsdale and La Trobe Streets, next door to RMIT University and directly connected to the new State Library Station) is now underway, with the precinct expected to open in 2028.
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