Ever wondered where Epping residents gather for shopping, dining, and entertainment? That’s Pacific Epping. This bustling shopping center stands on the corner of High Street and Cooper Street. It is a central hub for the community.
Pacific Epping started as Epping Plaza. The shopping center officially opened on October 29, 1996. Robert Maclellan, a member of the Legislative Assembly, did the honors. But even before the grand opening, Target and Coles were already welcoming customers in 1995.
In 1997, Pacific Epping expanded its offerings. A dining and entertainment complex opened. It featured Reading Cinemas, then known as Epping 10 Cinema. The Epping Plaza Hotel also joined the complex. Restaurants like TGI Fridays and La Familigia came later in 2001.
The shopping center continued to grow. A major extension in mid-2007 increased the number of stores to 218. In 2009, the Fresh Food Hall was renovated and renamed Hunter & Gatherer. The area north of Hunter & Gatherer also received a facelift.
Between 2012 and 2013, the dining and entertainment area underwent another transformation. The indoor dining area was removed. In its place came Urban Diner in October 2013. This added 11 restaurants and cafés in a street-style setting. Reading Cinemas also expanded with two Gold Lounge auditoriums. The exterior was completely rebuilt. This marked a significant change, rebranding Epping Plaza to Pacific Epping.
QIC assumed management rights and 50% ownership of Pacific Epping in June 2018. Quest Apartment Hotels added a 96-room hotel in late 2018. This included new restaurants, further expanding the Urban Diner section.
In 2019, Pacific Epping added a two-story childcare center and a gym. These were built near JB-Hi-Fi and ALDI.
There have been some changes in tenants over the years. Target closed its store in early 2021. Kmart took its place. In November 2023, the Hunter and Gatherer fresh food precinct closed for redevelopment. It reopened in December 2024, featuring over 20 shops and a renovated Woolworths.
Today, Pacific Epping boasts major retailers. Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi provide groceries. Big W and Kmart offer discount department store options. You can also find Harris Scarfe, JB Hi-Fi, Best & Less, and Cotton On Mega. And of course, Reading Cinemas provides the latest movies.
Pacific Epping has seen its share of incidents. In 2006, a small fire broke out in one of the Reading Cinemas. In 2008, a wall collapsed inside Big W’s garden center. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in either incident. In 2009, a staff member at McDonald’s was diagnosed with swine flu. The branch was temporarily closed. More recently, in 2024, there was a shooting outside the center.
Pacific Epping continues to evolve. It adapts to the needs of the growing Epping community. With its wide range of stores and services, Pacific Epping remains a vital part of daily life in this Melbourne suburb. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, catching a movie, or enjoying a meal, Pacific Epping offers something for everyone.