Semi Retired Foamer: EASTLAKES SHOPPING CENTRE - NOW & THEN - INSIDE VISIT

Having taken it upon myself to try covering the redevelopment of the old Eastlakes Shopping Centre, it has been a fascinating few months of regular visits and, for the first time ever, being able to witness how this sort of process is carried out.

It is really quite amazing to see such a huge place that you have known all your life being reduced down to bare earth in preparation for a new development to modern day standards.

While many of us are understandably sad to see it go, I think most realise it was a long time coming, with little apparent work seemingly done to the place for years. In all honestly, by the time Woolworths closed, it had become absolutely disgusting, which probably not surprising as few there would have cared when it was all about to be wiped out.

During the first few weeks covering the progress, I often dreamt of seeing what it now looked like inside mid-way through all this work.
Of course, its 2025 now, and that sort of thing just isn't reality nowadays.
Or is it?

Just before shooting off to Melbourne to get coverage of some of the endangered older trams for my other website, I was stunned to receive an invite get some coverage from the inside, a wonderful opportunity to record this redevelopment from somewhere other than the fence line.

Those that know me know that I rarely get excited about opportunities that are not of a transport related topic, but man I was beside myself following such a generous offer.

A couple of anxious weeks later I found myself meeting Mr Nick Chong Sun (General Manager: Demolition, Remediation & Earthworks) at the entrance.

From there I had the privilege of also meeting Mr Tony Moit, and some of the nicest guys you could ever hope to encounter.

Below is a mixture of images captured on the day, along with a few comparison shots from when it was still open.

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An Admission.

I know little of this topic, and what I have learnt appears below. This has been sourced from a number of sites, as well as our ol pal Mr Google.

Of course, the internet isn't always right, so any corrections/additions are invited. My email address appears on most photos.

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Moits Earthmoving, also known as N. Moit & Sons, is a leading family-owned civil contracting and earthmoving company based in New South Wales. Established in 1983 by the Moit brothers — Michael, George, and Tony — the business has grown from a single bobcat operation into one of the most respected names in the industry. Today, Moits employs over 300 people and operates a large, privately owned fleet of machinery and trucks, delivering high-quality services across a wide range of projects.

The company offers comprehensive solutions in earthworks, excavation, demolition, remediation, shoring, piling, and transport. With decades of experience and technical expertise, Moits is trusted to handle complex civil and infrastructure works, often involving challenging site conditions and strict environmental or safety requirements. Their demolition and excavation capabilities are particularly well regarded, and their teams are known for delivering on time, on budget, and to a high standard.

Sustainability is a core focus for Moits. Through their Rock & Dirt recycling facility in Clarendon, the company processes materials like concrete, asphalt, and brick into reusable products — helping to reduce landfill and support environmentally responsible construction. This commitment to sustainability is matched by an unwavering focus on safety and compliance, which underpins every aspect of their operations.

What sets Moits apart is not just their technical capability, but their strong values and culture. The company is built on principles of integrity, respect, and family — values that continue to shape how they work with clients, partners, and each other. Moits prides itself on long-term relationships and a supportive working environment, with many team members remaining with the company for years.

With a proven track record across residential, commercial, and major infrastructure projects, Moits continues to be a trusted partner for clients seeking reliable, professional, and forward-thinking solutions in civil construction. Their reputation for quality, safety, and innovation makes them a standout in the Australian earthmoving and demolition industry.

Moits Website

Moits Facebook Page

Moits LinkedIn

Near the Evans Street entrance to the site, where my visit began.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Similar view.

This was where the carpark stood. It was the first part of the shopping centre to go.

Below was the view before.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Walking through where the carpark previously stood.

Photo: Brad Peadon

The BKK Oriental Supermarket remains intact and you can still make out where the ramp (see below) down to the lower carpark was located.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Most of the background was where the Woolworths stood before. Below was apparently a smaller carpark that I somehow had never noticed over the years.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Two above show the south side dock area on the day.
The three below show how the area looked shortly before closure.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Rear of the former Woolworths.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Two above: The remains of the BWS liquor store.

Three below: The same store in it's final days.

In the 24 hours up to the morning of September 19th the rest of the BWS was removed, with the former post office going during the day.

Photos: Brad Peadon

At the time of this visit the register area, BWS and entrance of the Woolworths were all still intact.

However, less than a week later this was all completely gone.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and two below.

Comparison of the Woolworths register area looking westward.

Again, in less than a week this had all gone.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Above and three below.

Looking eastward along the former register area towards the BWS.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Looking in the same direction on Woolworths, and thus the shopping centre, closure night..

Photos: Brad Peadon

Obviously, with such a huge project like this, planning each move is important. Two of the Moits guys discuss how to approach the next bit of work.

Photo: Brad Peadon

I assume an office for Woolworths.

Photos: Brad Peadon

These two vehicles are used ahead of the main demolition equipment to clear the place out preparing for it to be removed.

There's probably a more professional way to put that. :-)

Photo: Brad Peadon

Across from Woolworths during the visit (above) and before centre closure (below).

Photos: Brad Peadon

Above: T&K Meat Market had been guttered in preparation for removal.

Below: T&K Meat Market had closed down by this visit.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Above: Haily Fishmarket was in the process of being gutted and on September 18th it would be seen getting demolished..

Below: Fishmarket still trading back in 2021.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Panoramic shot of the walkway from BKK down to Woolworths. This whole section was noted gone by the 18th of September.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Above: Former BKK Oriental Supermarket awaiting it's turn. By the 18th September, the supermarket part of the mall had been left isolated with demolition concentrating on the Fishmarket oppisite.

Below: BKK in the final days. They have since moved across the road to a much smaller store near the corner of Gardeners Road and Racecourse Place.

The shelving seen at right are the same as thopse appearing in the earlier photo taken outside.

Below x 2: The shops that were to the right of the BKK entrance lead to a bakery, Aldi, fruit market and other stores.
This all went with the carpark.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Corner opposite the fish market. I think it was some sort of variety store in the final days. I remember talking to the poor ol shop owner that was struggling to deal with the fish shop smell every day.

It was a pretty powerful stench of epic proportions at times.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above: Hong Sun Butchery. The glass had been smashed, but much of the internal fittings looked to still be there.

Below: Back in the days they were still trading.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Two Above: Foodt3pp Filipino restaurant and grocery store had been virtually stripped out at time of my visit..

Two Below: Back in the days she was still trading.

Maria has moved her shop down Gardeners Road (see address at bottom of post)

Photos: Brad Peadon

Above: Unik Artist. I think, but stand to be corrected, that they were a nail (fingers and toes, not woodwork :-) ) place.

Below: Not long before the centre closed. Appears they have made the biggest move, now being out at the Westleigh Village Shopping Centre.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Above: Remains of the classic old donut and milkshake shop that traded there for as long as I can remember.

Three Below: Lovely old shop and some of it's signage before the owner retired.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Shops along the northern part of the centre, looking towards the main entrance.

Below three photos show some of the shops that are seen above.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Originally the incredibly popular 'Crystal Lake Chinese Restaurant' it latest become 'Brothers Halal Meat & Groceries' for a couple of years until closing down not long before the centre.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Australia - Babylon Jewellers.

Sadly I never got a shot of the store while open.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Despite the visible name, this was actually the 'Di Biasi Unisex Barber'.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Looking along the northern shops of the mall.

Above two during the recent visit, below two prior to closure.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Above and below.

Looking at the main entrance off Evans Avenue.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Evans Avenue entrance back in 2021.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and below.

Looking southwards from near the Evans Avenue entrance towards Woolworths.

The blue pole outside the chemist being the most recognisable part of the recent image.

Photos: Brad Peadon

The toilet area looking towards the offices.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and three below.

The office area has had a little attention but will probably be amongst the last to go.

Photos: Brad Peadon

The office area not long before the final centre closure.

Dental 99 has a number of other locations, the closest for Eastlakes patients is probably Bondi Junction.

Photo: Brad Peadon

The ramp that lead up from the north entrance of the former carpark.

Below: How it looked prior to closure.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Back to where we started.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and below

Nick Chong Sun - Moits General Manager (Demolition, Remediation & Earthworks)

Photos: Brad Peadon

Bobcat brings out more stuff to be recycled.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and four below.

Inside what was originally the Eastlakes McDonalds, later a supermarket, then more recently the display suite for the new development.

Note that the building models are now incorrect, however I felt them to impressive not to include.

There was nothing I could readily remember being from the McDonalds era, other than some of the walls. If you recognise anything, or have any photos of this McDonalds, I would love to hear from you.

Photos: Brad Peadon