Taking a step back 50 years and one may recall Parkmore Shopping centre was described as looking like a ‘Science fiction spaceship headquarters from the air’ in the local newspapers after its opening launch.
It was 27 November 1973 and the community was excited about the opening of their new local Shopping centre. So much so at 9am the 1,200 space car park was already full before the doors had even opened. The party was getting underway with John Farnham performing whilst Santa arrived at the centre in the world’s largest hot-air balloon (at the time).
In 1995 the centre underwent an upgrade which included food court seating for over 380 people, a spectacular new centre court area, over 40 new specialty stores and Big W. This feat made Parkmore the only shopping centre in Victoria (at the time) with Big W, Kmart, Coles and Franklins all under the one roof.
The year 2011 saw the centre undergo another renovation which featured a new 3500m2 Safeway, new specialty mall, a more efficient and use-friendly car park and an improved shopping environment with upgrades to the existing centre.
This year the complex is celebrating its 50th Birthday. Time may have moved on but the centre has changed with it, undertaking major improvements ensuring it has remained relevant to the Greater Dandenong and wider community.
In 2022 retail store, JB Hi-Fi, opened one of its flagship small format stores making the goods on offer so much greater. The centre is focused on offering customers convenience, with major stores such as Big W, Best & Less, Coles, Kmart, and Woolworths on offer. Alongside these businesses there are approximately 120 specialty stores ensuring you will have no issues finding exactly what you are looking for. The shops are varied and culturally diverse reflecting the amazing community that live, work and shop in Greater Dandenong. The centre acknowledges one of their oldest retailers, Red Balloon Café. The long-standing retailer has been at the centre for the entire 50 years.
Parkmore Shopping centre Marketing Manager, Chris Gavralas said,“…it’s incredible to have Red Balloon Café celebrate this special occasion with us. We hope we can continue to build on this and reach future milestones like this with our retailers for years to come,” said Mr Gavralas.
Keep an eye out for celebrations in October as the centre approaches this remarkable milestone.
Parkmore Shopping Centre is located at 317 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough.
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