metres of retail floor space are the key

elements of a major redevelopment planned for Eastland shopping centre.

The development will change the face of Ringwood, potentially turning it into Melbourne's largest retail centre outside the CBD.

Maroondah city development director Phil Turner said a development of such scale had not been seen in an outer metropolitan area of Melbourne before.

"This development will change the look, feel and perception of Ringwood," he said.

Queensland Investment Corporation Global Real Estate is developing the site. It has been the sole owner of Eastland shopping centre since 1996.

Mr Turner said he could understand residents' frustrations at the slow pace of the site's development, which gained planning approval in September 2010, but urged patience. "We are asking residents to 'keep the faith'," he said. "We are extremely positive and confident about the development."

"The council has been working closely with QIC GRE to get the development off the ground and it is not something you give up just because it is going to take an extra 12 months."

Early stages of the multi-million-dollar construction are expected to start before the end of the year.

"Ringwood is the only major centre outside the Melbourne CBD that is directly on a freeway, which makes it easily accessible," MrTurner said. "With major residential and commercial developments going up at the moment, Ringwood is going to become a more attractive place to live and work."

QIC GRE managing director Robert Carter said the redevelopment of Eastland shopping centre and the former Ringwood Market site would create a vibrant retail, commercial and leisure hub. "Research shows our shoppers are looking for more fashion and options for dining locally," he said. "The development aims to meet these needs."

Mr Carter said Ringwood had been identified as a major centre for commercial growth under the state government's Transit Cities strategy.

"The master plans accommodate for future redevelopment of the land between the existing Eastland boundary at Bond Street and Maroondah Highway," he said. "It will include additional retail space, a dining precinct, town square, new library, an office tower and a hotel."