THE highly anticipated new shopping precinct at Dandenong Plaza is getting its finishing touches, ahead of its unveiling later this year.
The redevelopment, which has been underway since October last year, includes a new mall with seven fresh retail offerings including four impressive new retailers and a new cafe.
Leading the charge are electronics retailer JB Hi-Fi Home, German supermarket giant Aldi, Japanese superstore Daiso and discount brand store Trade Secret.
The new precinct will also house a custom-designed children’s playground, including interactive soundscapes, which provides entertainment for children.
The rural theme of the playground is also a quiet nod to the pastoral heritage of the region, dating back to the early 19th century.
Dandenong’s culture and history has played a role in shaping the development, with the aim to bring the convenience and value of national and international retail brands, while adhering to the values of the people who live and work in the area.
“Dandenong Plaza has been a meeting place for locals for a quarter of a century,” centre manager Mark Tannahill said.
“It is important for us to maintain that sense of community while providing locals and visitors with a convenient place to meet, shop and relax.
“This new mix of iconic retailers will create a vibrant and dynamic hub for the plaza and we are excited to re-establish ourselves as a dynamic focal point for the local and greater community.”
The new wing occupies over 6,800 square metres of floor space across two levels of the plaza.
One local who is looking forward to the unveiling is plaza retailer and City of Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti.
“This impressive Dandenong Plaza redevelopment is yet another step in the dramatic transformation taking place in Dandenong,” Cr Memeti said.
“Our vibrant multicultural community is now home to fantasic shopping, delicious food from around the globe, cutting-edge corporate headquarters, brand-new apartment living and a bustling local economy. So come along and discover the new Dandenong.”
The redevelopment of Dandenong Plaza is part of a $290 million state-funded redevelopment plan and $1 billion in private sector infrastructure upgrades to the city centre that aims to rejuvenate the trade and public areas at the head of Melbourne’s south east corner.
