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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n AAA<\/p>\n The first Victorian outpost for a legendary Japanese bookshop will feature alongside open-air restaurants with views of the city and late-night social spots as part of Melbourne Central\u2019s new $170 million redevelopment.<\/p>\n Marking the CBD shopping precinct\u2019s biggest expansion in 20 years, the upgrades to the Lonsdale Street end of the centre will see the retail area of the shopping precinct jump by 14 per cent, with more outlets extending trading to 18 hours a day.<\/p>\n As part of the redevelopment, Japanese bookseller Books Kinokuniya is to open its first Melbourne store by the end of August \u2013 marking the first time in 15 years the shopping centre has had a bookshop following the closure of Borders in 2011.<\/p>\n Chris Barnett, head of retail for Melbourne Central\u2019s owner, The GPT Group, said the popular bookstore would provide a point of difference in city retail.<\/p>\n With over 260 retailers currently over five levels, Barnett said the redevelopment would continue to meet Melbourne\u2019s \u201cstrong demand\u201d for high-quality entertainment, leisure and dining.<\/p>\n \u201cCombined with premium entertainment and dining experiences, the development will unlock significant value and create an even more compelling destination for visitors to meet, shop, dine and play in the heart of the city,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Construction for the new two-level dining, leisure and entertainment hub at the centre\u2019s Lonsdale Street end is already under way, which Barnett described as being focused \u201cless about fast food and more slow dining\u201d.<\/p>\n Ten new food retailers \u2013 including fine-dining and casual restaurants \u2013 will be announced in coming months, with some eateries to have outdoor balconies overlooking the city.<\/p>\n In a statement, GPT Group said the overall redevelopment, carried out by construction company Maben and ARM Architecture, would create about 7800 square metres of additional retail space across levels 3 and 4, bringing the site to about 63,000 square metres of retail area.<\/p>\n Kinokuniya Australia managing director Satoshi Yada said the store would stock \u201ca curated range of English-language titles, as well as unique comics, manga and multilingual books selections, and imported stationery\u201d. It will also have an events space for author appearances and craft workshops.<\/p>\n Founded in Tokyo in 1927, Kinokuniya has more than 150 stores worldwide.<\/p>\n Its first Australian store opened in Sydney\u2019s Neutral Bay in 1996, which then relocated to the CBD in 2002. A second Sydney store opened in April this year in Chatswood.<\/p>\n Editor’s pick According to GPT Group, Melbourne Central has 55 million visitors each year, achieves total annual sales of more than $700 million, and has 100 per cent occupancy across its existing 55,000 square metres of retail space.<\/p>\n Start the day with a summary of the day\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/b0e3f97395ad934f4558cd24e151289dacb998f2.jpeg\")
An artist\u2019s impression of planned al fresco dining at Melbourne Central shopping centre.The GPT Group<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bf514fe73ebc16f880e944d2e69e8214d5b3c5b2.jpeg\")
A render of a dining area in Melbourne Central\u2019s new precinct.The GPT Group<\/p>\n![\"Books](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1ca3f26456713dfd9dfc89f7000dd53d16331124.jpeg\")
Books Kinokuniya in George Street, Sydney.Anna Kucera<\/p>\n![\"CFMEU](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/13f14259029e91525eb5d08f098591645905b0a0.jpeg\")
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