Inclusive solutions for high-traffic precincts, blending accessibility in a luxury shopping centre.
Written by Sarah McCarthy, Accessibility Consultant
Chadstone Shopping Centre’s newest addition introduces a fresh food and dining precinct with over 50 retailers. This carefully curated retail experience includes specialty providores, boutique food outlets, and a diverse range of dining options.
First conceptualised in 2018, the precinct opened in March this year, marking the culmination of over seven years of planning, design, and construction. The Market Pavilion spans more than 26,000 sq metres with a budget of approximately $485 million. A large team of consultants collaborated to deliver what Vicinity Centre’s Richard O’Dwyer has described as ‘a huge success’ with the number of visitors far exceeding expectations.
Accessibility was a key focus throughout the project. Architecture & Access was engaged by lead architects Buchan from the schematic design stage and later novated to John Holland for construction documentation and delivery.
The project faced significant challenges, particularly in managing existing site conditions. One of the most complex accessibility issues involved aligning floor gradients and levels in the Market Place corridor and southern Dining Laneway. Although the site was gutted, existing tenancy floor levels had to be retained, requiring meticulous coordination to ensure compliant and seamless transitions.
Numerous iterations of the floor plans were required to create accessible walkways with gradients no steeper than 1:20, along with flat landings at every change of direction. All specialty retailers and kiosks featured gradients of 1:40 at sales counters and door entrances to enable easier access for wheelchair users, prams, and trolleys.
Wide generous paths of travel were designed to accommodate high visitor volumes and showcase the impressive interior fitout including the high undulating roof, luxurious marble finishes and accents of rich metal detailing. Vertical access is facilitated via upgraded lifts that reflect the new design aesthetic, along with travelators connecting shoppers to basement level.
Externally, the contrast between light bluestone pavers and bronze columns and building features play a role in accessibility and wayfinding, providing strong visual cues for visitors entering from the southern Dining Laneway directing them easily to the Market Place entrance. Landscaping by Lat Studios features organic pods with bursts of greenery, offering visual contrast for those with vision impairments and providing seating for rest and social interaction.
The attention to detail by the architects and other consultants has resulted in a market style atmosphere with an open air feel where visitors can meander through specialty providores and lifestyle boutiques, dine at restaurants and cafes or just do their weekly food shop in a space that blends retail and hospitality with functional and inclusive design.
Image credit: Shannon McGrath
