Chatswood Chase: new food court, ‘luxury shops’ in redevelopment plans

A construction start date has been revealed for the long-planned $295 million redevelopment of a major Sydney shopping complex – two years after the project was put on ice due to the Covid-19 pandemic. See the new plans:

A construction start date has been revealed for the long-planned redevelopment of Chatswood Chase shopping complex after the project was put on ice during the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vicinity Centres – the owner of the north shore shopping hub – has revealed building work on the $295 million project will begin by the end of this year with features including a new and expanded food court, offices and a ‘luxury shopping’ precinct.

The development project was approved in March 2020 and includes expanding the complex into six storeys along with new carparks.

In June 2020, Vicinity Centres announced the development had been delayed “until further notice” due to mandatory closures of some retail stores and “stay at home” directives for shoppers which had “adversely impacted” income.

The company said the “significant and broad reaching impacts” of the Covid-19 pandemic had the number of shoppers visiting the complex was down 50 per cent on pre-Covid levels, leaving several retailers at the complex struggling to pay rent on their leases.

A concept plan of the new food and dining area.

Vicinity regional general manager of development Mark Kelley said the company was now committed to pushing ahead with a new project design that includes expanded dining areas and offices, with a focus on collaborative working environments.

“The redevelopment plans for Chatswood Chase Sydney remain one of Vicinity’s most exciting retail and mixed-use development pipeline opportunities,” he said in a statement.

A concept plan of the development.

“We’re committed to investing in the future of Chatswood and bringing to life our vision to transform Chatswood Chase into a market-leading destination which combines shopping, art, culture, food, work and play for the north shore community.

“Our proposed development plan builds on the centre’s premium position and delivers a world-class experience that best reflects the lifestyle and needs of our customers.”

Plans show the new fresh food and dining precinct will transform the centre’s lower ground food court with features including a new dining hall, the introduction of “premium dining” operators along with a new gourmet grocer and quick serve restaurants.

Major works beginning in 2024 will focus on redeveloping the remaining ground floor and upper levels of the complex into new shops, ‘premium brand’ stores, and 8500 sqm of office space with outdoor communal areas.

Work on the project is due to begin later this year.

The development includes new offices.

The company said the development would meet “post-Covid demand for high quality office space close to home.”

Vicinity Centres said despite ongoing disruptions caused by Covid-19, retail activity during the first half of 2022 has demonstrated “underlying resilience” with the number of weekend shoppers across all its centres back to 85 per cent of pre-Covid levels.

“(Across all centres) the average spend per visit is up 29 per cent on pre-Covid levels and electrical, sporting goods and luxury retailers, together with discount department stores, continue to outperform,” the company said.

“We maintain our view that the outlook for retail is improving, and we expect these centres to return to their former vibrancy over time.”

Work on the food and dining area will begin by the end of this year, with the remaining development due for completion in 2026.