Upon completion, Melbourne Central will operate as an 18/7 destination to support Melbourne’s growing nighttime economy.

Timeline: The expansion is scheduled for completion in 2028.

The project adds roughly 7,800 square metres of retail space across levels 3 and 4, boosting the total to about 63,000 square metres and enhancing appeal with premium dining and entertainment.

The refurbishment will house Melbourne’s first flagship Kinokuniya Books store, a large-format entertainment hub, new dining zones, and more than 10 additional food retailers.

GPT Group describes the redevelopment as creating significant value by turning Melbourne Central into a destination where people can meet, shop, dine, and be entertained in the city heart.

Industry context: Melbourne CBD retail sales exceed $3.9 billion annually, underscoring demand for experience-led offerings.

Current metrics: Melbourne Central generates over A$700 million in annual sales, 100 percent occupancy, about 55 million visitors each year, and roughly 260 retailers across five levels within two city blocks between Lonsdale and La Trobe Streets.

Kinokuniya Australia will open a flagship store at Melbourne Central offering English-language titles, manga, multilingual books, imported stationery, and an events space for author appearances and workshops.

A new two-level dining, leisure and entertainment hub on Lonsdale Street is under construction, featuring slow dining and ten new food retailers with some outdoor balconies.

Melbourne Central in the CBD is undergoing a A$170 million redevelopment, its biggest expansion in two decades, to expand retail space and extend trading hours to 18 hours a day.

The GPT Group, the developer and owner, aims to create a high-performing, adaptable destination that meets evolving customer needs and drives long-term growth, citing strong demand for entertainment, leisure, and dining in the CBD.

Kinokuniya will open its first Melbourne store by the end of August, marking the first bookshop at Melbourne Central since Borders closed in 2011.