Chatswood Chase

The Chatswood Chase project comprised a comprehensive refurbishment of the existing shopping centre, transforming the retail environment to deliver an enhanced experience for shoppers. The redevelopment features reconfigured internal retail areas, skylit atrium spaces, an expanded luxury retail precinct, the addition of a modern gym tenancy and an upgraded centre management office.

Jensen Hughes was engaged as the fire safety engineer for the project, providing consultancy from the development application stage through to project completion. Our involvement included the development of a concept design, a performance based design brief, and a fire engineering report. Collaborating closely with key stakeholders, we created tailored performance solutions to address performance-based smoke exhaust strategies, exit provisions, atrium design, reduced fire ratings, and effective fire brigade intervention.

Our team utilised advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) smoke modelling and agent based evacuation simulations to inform smoke hazard management and evacuation strategies for both new and reconfigured building areas. The refurbishment was meticulously staged to optimise business continuity, particularly within the lower ground retail level. To support this, we developed an interim fire safety strategy that ensured a high standard of safety was maintained in occupied sections of the centre throughout all phases of construction.

Our accessibility and universal design team provided comprehensive consultancy, working closely with the project team from the earliest design stages through to the occupation certificate. We provided in depth advice throughout both design and construction and conducted multiple site inspections, often under tight deadlines, to ensure the building fully complied with all accessibility codes and requirements, supporting an inclusive environment for all users.

We are proud to have collaborated with Multiplex and Vicinity Centres on this project. Jensen Hughes’ involvement ensured fire safety and accessibility was prioritised at every phase, delivering tailored performance solutions and interim safety strategies that supported both the ongoing redevelopment and uninterrupted business operations.