Melbourne’s book lovers have something big to look forward to, with the city’s first flagship Books Kinokuniya set to open as part of a major $170 million expansion of Melbourne Central that is now under construction.
The internationally renowned Japanese bookseller will be the centrepiece of the redevelopment, bringing its extensive range of books, magazines, stationery and gifts to the heart of the CBD. Ahead of the flagship store’s opening in the first half of 2028, Books Kinokuniya will launch a temporary concept store on Level 2, giving Melburnians an early taste of what’s to come.
Books Kinokuniya is one of the world’s leading book retailers, with a history dating back to 1927 in Japan. Known for its extensive selection of books from around the globe, the retailer offers everything from best-selling fiction and non-fiction to art, design, travel, children’s books, manga, magazines and stationery.
With stores across Japan, the United States, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and other international locations, Kinokuniya has built a reputation for connecting readers with diverse literary cultures and hard-to-find titles. The Melbourne Central store will mark the brand’s first flagship location in Melbourne, bringing its globally recognised collection and unique browsing experience to Victoria’s literary capital.
Melbourne’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature played a key role in attracting Books Kinokuniya to the city, with Managing Director Satoshi Yada saying Melbourne’s creative culture and strong connection with younger audiences made Melbourne Central the ideal location for the retailer’s Victorian debut.
Beyond the new bookstore, the redevelopment will introduce a large-format entertainment hub, new dining precincts and more than 10 additional food retailers, further expanding Melbourne Central’s mix of shopping, food and entertainment.
The expansion, being delivered by The GPT Group in partnership with Maben and ARM Architects, will add around 7,800 square metres of retail space across Levels 3 and 4. Once complete, Melbourne Central will offer approximately 63,000 square metres of retail space.
The project also supports GPT’s vision of transforming Melbourne Central into an 18-hour, seven-day destination that caters to the city’s growing nighttime economy. The centre already attracts more than 55 million visitors each year, records annual sales exceeding $700 million and remains fully occupied across its existing retail space.
