Flood Barriers Protect Figtree Grove Shopping Centre
FloodFree supplied and installed 20 engineered flood barriers for a major retail centre in Wollongong, integrating a combination of actuated, passive and removable systems to suit each entry point and operational requirement.
Strengthening Flood Resilience for a Major Retail Precinct
Located within a known flood catchment, the centre required targeted protection for critical access points, loading docks, service corridors and infrastructure rooms to minimise flood risk and maintain operational continuity during severe weather events.
FloodFree was engaged to design and deliver a comprehensive flood protection solution for Figtree Grove Shopping Centre, a major retail and community hub servicing the Wollongong region.
Located within a flood-prone catchment, the centre required protection for multiple vulnerable access points including loading docks, service corridors, plant rooms and emergency exits.
FloodFree implemented a multi-barrier flood mitigation strategy, combining several flood barrier technologies to protect critical areas while maintaining full operational functionality of the shopping centre.
Project Challenges
Retail centres present unique flood mitigation challenges due to:
-
Multiple tenant entry points
-
High-frequency service and loading dock access
-
Essential infrastructure located at ground level
-
Strict operational and safety requirements
-
Need for unobtrusive solutions within high-traffic environments
The flood protection solution needed to provide reliable protection while remaining compatible with daily retail operations.
Critical Areas Protected
The project focused on protecting high-risk locations around the perimeter of the centre including:
-
Supermarket loading docks for Coles and Woolworths
-
Retail logistics areas servicing numerous outlets
-
Banking entrances including Commonwealth Bank of Australia and ANZ Bank
-
Waste compactor and service corridors
-
Emergency exits across multiple tenancies
-
Utility infrastructure including facilities operated by Endeavour Energy
Engineered Flood Barrier Solutions
FloodFree supplied and installed 20 flood barriers across the site, strategically located to protect vulnerable entry points and infrastructure.
Personal Access Flood Doors (PAFD)
Installed across service corridors, emergency exits and plant rooms. When closed, these Flood Doors seal openings, protecting pedestrian access points from water ingress.
Retractable Flood Barriers (RFB)
Installed at key retail entrances, including banking tenancies, allowing rapid, automated deployment when flood risk is identified.
Passive Tilting Flood Barriers (PTFB)
Integrated into the pavement at access points, automatically deploying via buoyancy during flood events.
Actuated Tilting Flood Barriers (HTFB)
Heavy-duty flood protection, utilising hydraulic-operated flood barriers to be deployed with the push of a button, installed at loading dock areas with regular vehicle access.
Concealed Flood Barriers (CFB)
Subsurface flood barriers installed at major tenant loading docks for discreet, self-deploying flood protection.
Demountable Flood Barrier (DFB)
Removable barrier segments are manually installed into permanent side frames to protect critical utility and service infrastructure.
Project Outcome
The completed flood mitigation system provides comprehensive protection across 20 key flood entry points within the shopping centre.
Key Benefits
Protection of retail assets and infrastructure Reduced risk of floodwater entering internal areas Improved safety for tenants, workers and visitors Protection of critical electrical and communication systems Increased resilience of a key regional retail hub