Paramount Plaza Retail Extension

As nearby housing grew, so did demand for retail space at Paramount Plaza. The challenge was fitting an extension onto a constrained, flat site without disrupting the businesses and customers already using the centre. Cook Costello provided the geotechnical, structural and civil engineering input needed to make the extension work.

The challenge

The flat site made stormwater design particularly important. Runoff needed to be collected and managed without compromising carpark access, pedestrian movement or the operation of the existing shops. The extension also needed to be delivered while the plaza remained open and trading.

Our involvement

• Geotechnical and civil engineering - foundation design suited to the site, with stormwater infrastructure incorporated into the carpark and pavement layout.

• Structural engineering - steel portal frames providing clear internal spans, giving future tenants flexibility for retail fitouts.

• Project coordination - working with the architect, landscape architect, contractors and Council to support consent, construction coordination and reduced disruption to traders.

The result

The extension added five new retail spaces, which were quickly leased. The carpark remained functional and accessible, while the stormwater design managed runoff on a flat site with limited room to work.

The project shows how coordinated civil, structural and geotechnical design can help extend an operating retail centre without losing sight of access, drainage, tenant flexibility and day-to-day use.