Work is underway at Chadstone to expand and improve car parking to add 850 new spaces, solar panel roofing and redesigned entrances to make it easier to get in and out of The Fashion Capital.

The first stage of the project will also deliver economic benefits with approximately 300 full-time equivalent jobs for Victorians during construction. The project is phase one of Chadstone’s car park expansion project, which is proposed to add, in total, more than 1,400 new parking spaces over the next three years. The new spaces at Car Park A will be completed in time for Black Friday and Christmas trading.

“We’re excited to see Chadstone’s evolution continue,” said Michael Whitehead, Chadstone Centre Manager. “Our community told us they wanted more parking, which, combined with highly accurate guidance technology as well as new access lanes and ramps, will make it much easier to find a park.”

Solar panels will create a new all-weather undercover parking experience on Car Park A rooftop and deliver 1.6MW of energy to help power the centre and reduce energy consumption – equivalent to removing 840 cars from roads every year. Already Australia’s biggest free car park, the project will benefit more than 24 million customers who visit The Fashion Capital every year.

“COVID-19 has shown why market-leading destinations such as Chadstone, which integrate shopping, dining, entertainment, accommodation and offices, are important precincts for the future planning of Melbourne,” Whitehead said.

Disruptions to car parking will be limited throughout construction, with 90% of Chadstone’s current parking bays unaffected by the expansion.

Chadstone Carpark exterior, Princes Highway