CHATSWOOD CHASE
Shopping centres are rarely designed once. Like well-lived houses, they evolve over time: extensions built, corridors closed, atriums carved out and layers added across decades. At Chatswood Chase, this meant working within a complex structural patchwork as Vicinity Centres reimagined one of Australia’s most recognised retail destinations.
The $625 million transformation, developed in collaboration with Compass Project Management and Make Architects, was delivered in carefully staged phases, introducing new retail spaces and a curated mix of international and Australian brands. Inspired by the mall’s leafy surrounds, the design brings natural light, open walkways and soft textures into the building, positioning Chatswood Chase as a social hub rather than simply a place to shop.
At a glance
-
ClientVicinity Centres
-
ServicesCost Management & Quantity Surveying
-
sectorRetail
-
LocationSydney, Australia
Where design meets dollars
RLB supported the redevelopment from early feasibility through to practical completion, working closely with Vicinity Centres, Multiplex and structural engineer Arup to test design ideas and develop robust cost plans. Balancing feasibility, design ambition and long-term performance required experience, data and careful judgement.
Part of RLB’s role was translating engineering concepts into robust cost plans, helping the team test options and make informed decisions as the design evolved. We’re proud of the role we played in helping to bring imagination to life.Stephen Mee, Director, RLB
On a premium retail project like Chatswood Chase, our challenge was achieving the right level of quality at the most economical price. We did this by working collaboratively. I spent 12 years on this project and couldn’t be prouder of the result. It’s a testament to the entire project team.Jeremy Vitler, Senior Associate, RLB
Value engineering isn’t just about saving money. On the Chatswood Chase project, it meant using data, experience and judgement to decide where quality matters most – directing investment to the spaces customers actually experience, from light-filled malls to carefully designed amenities.
A new rhythm for retail
New voids and atriums bring natural light deep into the mall while creating a contemporary, luxury retail environment.
Care was taken to elevate the spaces between the shops – the light-filled malls and circulation routes shape how people move, meet and linger.
-
$625million
transformation
-
60retailers
curated
-
4Star
Green Star target
Mall design moves
Close coordination with structural engineer Arup was needed to understand the implications of each design move. Even small adjustments could have major consequences. Relocating a single column could trigger additional temporary works, structural strengthening and redesign, turning a design decision into a million-dollar exercise.
Tailored solutions for active tenancies
The shopping centre remained operational during construction, with major tenants continuing to trade throughout. Maintaining safe public access demanded careful planning of temporary works including hoardings, protected walkways, construction decks and waterproofing systems.
The redevelopment strengthens the centre’s sustainability performance, targeting higher Green Star and NABERS ratings through upgrades to energy efficiency, water management and materials selection. The result ensures Chatswood Chase is a standout shopping experience while performing responsibly behind the scenes.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
