Chatswood free hours reduction a ‘cash grab’
Chatswood Chase retailers are concerned for their livelihood as centre owner Vicinity Centres proposes to reduce the free parking cap from three to two hours.
The proposal, which would need to go through a development application, made it past the Willoughby Council traffic committee. However, council agreed at its last meeting to send their concerns to Vicinity Centres about the changes to free parking and encourage alternatives.
Deputy mayor Angelo Rozos, who put forward the motion, said the proposal was a ‘cash grab’ by Vicinity Centres and that retailers would be affected.
“Two hours won’t be enough,” Mr Rozos said. “(Three hours of) parking allows customers to do their shopping without feeling pressured.”
Chatswood Chase centre manager Eddie Paynter told NL a significant number of non-shoppers were parking at the Chase while visiting the Concourse or the medical centre. Mr Paynter said the changes aimed to ‘enhance the overall shopping experience.’
“The proposed changes reflect our vision to transform Chatswood Chase into a modern and iconic destination blending luxury retailing, convenience shopping and experiential dining,” Mr Paynter said. “By harmonising our car parking policies with the surrounding area, we aim to ensure efficient and easy access for our genuine shoppers, and parking space turnover to support our retailers.”
Mr Rozos said three hours gave people more browsing time. “(With two hours), people will just come in and do the absolute minimum, get what they need to get and leave.”
If the changes proceed, Vicinity would charge a fee for stays longer than two hours – $3 for 2 to 2.5 hours, and $5 for 2.5 to 3 hours. Vicinity Centres plans to implement a rewards program offering three hours of free parking for registered residents.
Chatswood Chase is undergoing a major transformation of the centre’s ground floor through to level 2, expected to open from late 2025.
Vicinity is also planning 650 apartments across two towers at 12 to 14 Malvern Avenue and 5 to 7 Havilah Street, on the perimeter of the Chase. The sites would need to be rezoned to residential and allowed height variations in excess of current limits.
The proposed car parking change would be introduced alongside a new ticketless system and other carpark upgrades from April 2026. The council traffic team recommended that if the hours were reduced, there should be a 12-month trial period.