Key food, grocer tenant announced for Chatswood Chase after shock closure, negotiations

There’s been a new development in the future of the Chatswood Chase shopping centre with a well known local fresh food grocer set to take over a site originally planned as a Harris Farm: See the details:

A concept image of the redevelopment of the centre.

There’s been a new development in the future of Chatswood Chase, with a well known local fresh food grocer set to take over a site initially planned as a Harris Farm.

LoSurdos Fresh Food Grocer has been announced as the primary tenant in a new fresh food dining precinct currently under construction at the Chatswood shopping centre.

The announcement comes after long-running fresh food grocer Fruitzey closed its doors at the centre last month.

The closure left many shoppers in shock after trading at the site for more than a decade.

Several other stores have also had to relocate or close in recent months to accommodate the redevelopment of the centre.

A concept image of the new Chase Market.

Vicinity Centres – which operates Chatswood Chase – confirmed LoSurdos would take over a vacant tenancy next to Kmart, which was originally proposed to be an outlet for a new Harris Farm supermarket.

Vicinity Centres last year planned to spend $3.6 million on fit-out works and new signage to accommodate the Harris Farm outlet at the tenancy, which was previously home to former toy store Toymate.

But it is understood Harris Farm is no longer pursuing plans to take on a tenancy as part of the Chatswood Chase redevelopment.

A Vicinity Centres spokeswoman said the new LoSurdos would be located within the ‘Chase Market’ precinct, which is currently under construction on the lower level of the shopping complex.

A photo of the LoSurdos store in Northbridge.

The new Chase Market forms part of a major revamp of the north shore shopping complex which is expected to see a range of new stores and offices built at the complex over the next three years.

The new LoSurdos will be the second store for the company on the north shore after opening at nearby Northbridge Plaza in 2020.

The fresh food company was also the original fruit and veg operator when Chatswood Chase opened back in 1983 before the store was sold and closed in 2001.

LoSurdos is expected to open at Chatswood Chase by Christmas.

“In a nod to blending past and future, Chatswood Chase is delighted to announce that it will welcome back second-generation family-owned and operated gourmet grocer LoSurdos,” a Vicinity Centres spokeswoman said.

LoSurdos owner Robert LoSurdo said he was excited to bring the store back to Chatswood Chase after more than two decades.

“Our commitment to always sourcing our produce directly from the very best growers, farmers and local providers hasn’t changed and we can’t wait to meet our customers’ needs in our new concept store after 22 years.” he said in a statement.

Robert LoSurdo.

LoSurdos is expected to be operating by Christmas this year as part of the first phase of the redevelopment of Chatswood Chase.

Once complete, Chase Market is expected to have more than 40 new restaurants and cafes.

Vicinity regional general manager of development Mark Kelley said the new Chase Market development would also offer a range of “premium dining experiences”.

The construction of the new Chase Market is part of broader redevelopment plans for the centre which also includes developing the remaining levels of the centre more luxury retailers, 8500 sqm rooftop commercial office village and outdoor open spaces.

The works are due for completion in 2026.

LoSurdos store will offer fresh produce, groceries, baked goods and gourmet deli options.