Inside the $485 million Chadstone Mall upgrade, including office tower and food district

Chadstone is already the largest mall in Australia but is now beginning a $485 million upgrade to add 50 more grocery retailers and a nine-story office tower.

On Thursday, the center in south-east Melbourne unveiled the details of its new development, including a massive new fresh food district called The Market Pavilion.

It will be significantly larger than the previous grocery area, covering more than 26,500 square feet with dozens of retailers on the ground floor.

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“From everyday essentials to artisan produce and specialty shopping, Chadstone’s new fresh food district will have everything under one roof,” said a spokesman.

Child care as well as health and wellness facilities are being built on an integrated second level above the market.

The development will also include a new 20,000 square foot commercial office tower called One Middle Road.

The tower is already 50 percent pre-let and there will be amenities for workers including an outdoor sky garden and business lounge.

“We know there is a great need for workplace solutions outside of the traditional CBD and this significant investment in the development of the center recognizes the important role Chadstone is playing in the heart of an emerging 20-minute south-east Melbourne city,” said Daniel Boyle, manager of Chadstone.

Development has started and is expected to be completed by mid-2024.

Also on Thursday, Swedish electric car brand Polestar announced it would open its first flagship store in Australia in Chadstone.

The space will open in the basement in the coming months.