HIGHPOINT Shopping Centre would become Australia’s second largest under expansion plans which include a university, hotel and medical hub.

The GPT Group wants to turn the shopping complex in Maribyrnong into a major town square with the potential for a hotel, apartments, healthcare and a university.

Under design plans seen by the Leader, the east side of Highpoint in Warrs Rd would be expanded by 30,000sq m to include a Coles — the centre’s second supermarket — fresh food stalls, international outlets and leisure and entertainment spaces such as an urban forest relaxation area.

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The redevelopment to the east, which would feature a new car park, is expected start in 2018 for completion by 2020.

The expansion would make Highpoint almost 185,00sq m, ahead of Westfield Fountain Gate. Westfield Knox is planning an extension which would make it 188,500sq m, but that is yet to start. Chadstone will be more than 220,000sq m when its renovations are complete.

media_camera Highpoint’s expansion will make it Australia’s second biggest shopping centre.

GPT spokesman Scott Rochfort said they were still in the planning stages and were yet to lodge any development applications.

Any plans would need to be approved by Maribyrnong Council.

Mr Rochfort said there was a broader trend for people to live near activity centres that offer a variety of amenity.

He said they would be discussing higher education opportunities with Victoria University and other tertiary providers.

media_camera Highpoint Shopping Centre is already popular with shoppers. Picture: Rob Leeson

The Leader reported in April last year that the property trust had plans to build up to 2400 apartments on and around Highpoint.

The apartments would be built on excess land owned by GPT and its partners and at the neighbouring Homemaker Centre.

Highpoint underwent a $300 million redevelopment in 2013 adding a fashion precinct and a Fresh Food Market and Eco Mall.

The State Government recently approved changes to the planning overlay that covers the centre to allow for mixed-use development and retail.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne said the new framework would make the most of Highpoint’s inner urban location and support projected population growth.