A $30 million shopping centre development in Epping is set to boost the local economy and deliver a “city climate” to the outer north.
Epping Plaza has been rebranded as Pacific Epping, with its new Urban Diner development launched on Tuesday last week.
The development increases the centre’s size by 9288 square metres and includes a pedestrian street, a piazza area, playground and an extra 300 car park spaces.
The main feature of the development is the ‘‘restaurant and entertainment precinct’’, which Pacific Epping chief executive officer Graham Terry said had created at least 100 permanent jobs.
Mr Terry said the centre generated value for the community and a “blueprint” for other local areas.
He said the creation of extra car parking spaces and accessible public transport would help to ease congestion.
The development includes a new bus interchange off Cooper Street.
Epping Plaza Hotel manager Alexander Robertson said the centre would “create night life that doesn’t exist” in Epping.
But Mr Robertson said he was concerned about security at the new piazza following a recent daylight brawl at a South Morang shopping centre cafe.
Whittlesea mayor Rex Griffin said safety was very important.
Mr Terry allayed fears and said Pacific Epping would increase security levels.
Cr Griffin said the plaza had brought a “city climate” to the region.
He said Cooper Street had become the “hub of the north” with its transport, employment and commercial interests.
Northern Health foundation director Ryan Brown said the development was a benefit to the growing northern community.
Northern Health operates Northern Hospital, which is adjacent to Pacific Epping and is a partner in the shopping centre complex.
“We are a growing area with over 50 births a week at Northern Hospital,” Mr Brown said.
