Retailers at Chatswood Chase are fighting back against plans by the shopping centre’s operator to cut free parking from three hours to two and bring in new fees, raising concerns the move will harm businesses at the Chatswood complex.
Parking Changes Proposed
Vicinity Centres, the company operating Chatswood Chase, intends to reduce the complimentary parking period for customers. Under the proposal, shoppers would face new charges if staying longer than two hours.
A fee of $3 would apply for visits lasting between two and two-and-a-half hours, increasing to $5 for stays between two-and-a-half and three hours. These changes are expected to be introduced in April next year, coinciding with the launch of a new ticketless parking system at the centre.
Traders Fear Customer Loss
A group of businesses within the centre has strongly opposed the parking shake-up. Shopkeepers are worried the changes could push customers towards competing shopping centres nearby, such as Westfield Chatswood, which is only 200 metres away and continues to offer three hours of free parking.
Other major centres on the north shore, including Hornsby Westfield, Top Ryde, and the Macquarie Centre, also provide three hours free. Inder Preet, who runs the Preet Indian restaurant, stated that two hours is often not enough time for people to park, shop, and then eat or do other things. He expressed concern that customers facing parking fees might choose to leave the centre or go elsewhere. Owners of other businesses, like the Nextra Newsagency, worry about the potential negative effect on traders already dealing with rising operational costs.
Council Expresses Concern
Willoughby Council has also raised concerns regarding the proposed parking fees. The council indicated that the changes could increase traffic congestion on streets surrounding the shopping centre and potentially cause longer vehicle queues, especially during busy shopping times. Council’s deputy mayor, Angelo Rozos, described the plan as a “cash grab” and expressed disappointment, suggesting it was not the right way to treat paying customers.
Operator Defends Decision
Vicinity Centres explained that the changes aim to increase the turnover of parking spaces, ensure genuine shoppers can find spots more easily, and discourage non-centre visitors from occupying bays. The operator suggested the move could encourage customers to shorten their visits or use alternative transport like walking, cycling, or public transport.
It is understood the company is also considering a rewards program that might grant Willoughby Council residents three hours of free parking if they enter via the Archer St car park entrance. Chatswood Chase centre manager Eddie Paynter stated the parking changes reflect the company’s vision to transform the centre into a modern destination and are intended to harmonise parking policies with the surrounding area, ultimately enhancing the shopping experience and supporting retailers.
The parking changes are part of a larger redevelopment currently underway at the centre. Upon completion, the project is expected to add 84 parking spaces, bringing the total to 2349.
Published Date 17-April-2025
