[3][4][5] In recent times, what was once a relatively small suburb was extended to incorporate parts of neighbouring Chadstone.

Based on its easterly proximity to Malvern, the expansion and redefinition of Malvern East was driven in the 1990s by resident groups eager to 'reclaim' their address from being identified with the Chadstone Shopping Centre, which had been massively expanded since its original construction.

Malvern East has a number of popular public open spaces, the most notable of which are Hedgeley Dene Gardens, Central Park and the Urban Forest Reserve.

While Central Park and its surrounding residential neighbourhood are subject to heritage protection, Hedgeley Dene Gardens is the first public open space to be designated worthy of protection on neighbourhood character grounds.

Malvern East also boasts one of the largest Australian Rules Auskick clinics in Australia, which is held on Saturday mornings during winter.