Converting commercial properties into different uses is increasingly common, especially as businesses adapt to changing market demands and consumer preferences.
In New South Wales (NSW), zoning regulations and planning controls determine which types of commercial properties can be repurposed, whether for a retail shop, cafe, office or another business type.
Here’s a look at some common property types that can often be converted, along with essential considerations for making the switch.
1. Retail Shops
Retail spaces are among the most flexible commercial properties for conversion.
Since they’re typically located in high-traffic areas with footfall, they’re suitable for a wide range of businesses, including:
- Cafes and Restaurants: Retail shops can often be converted into food service venues, such as cafes, bakeries or small restaurants. However, these conversions may require additional approvals for kitchen installations, waste management and seating arrangements.
- Boutiques and Specialty Stores: Retail spaces can easily accommodate clothing stores, bookstores, or other specialty shops, given their layout and customer access features.
- Small Offices or Studios: Depending on the zoning, retail spaces may also be converted into offices for services like beauty salons, consultancy firms or studios for creative professionals.
Considerations: When converting a retail shop into a different use, it’s essential to address factors such as parking requirements, potential noise impacts and waste management—especially if the new use involves food or customer seating.
2. Offices
Office spaces, particularly those in mixed-use or commercial zones, can also be converted for alternative uses. Common conversions include:
- Retail Outlets: Offices located on ground floors with street access may be suitable for retail conversion, provided they comply with local development controls.
- Wellness and Fitness Studios: Offices with open layouts are often converted into wellness centres, yoga studios or small gyms. These conversions require assessments for noise management, parking and accessibility.
- Cafes or Coffee Shops: In areas with a high concentration of office buildings, converting a former office into a cafe can be appealing to serve the local workforce. Kitchen installations and waste management will be required for this type of use.
Considerations: Converting an office space into a more public-facing business, like retail or food service, often requires an assessment of building code compliance and potentially an upgrade to meet accessibility and fire safety standards.
3. Warehouses and Industrial Spaces
Warehouses and industrial spaces are popular for conversion, especially for businesses that require larger areas and a unique aesthetic. These properties are commonly transformed into:
- Restaurants, Breweries, or Cafes: Warehouses provide ample space, high ceilings and an industrial charm that works well for breweries, cafes or open-plan restaurants. Such conversions need comprehensive planning to meet kitchen, health and fire safety standards.
- Showrooms and Retail Outlets: Warehouses can be repurposed into showrooms for furniture, art or high-end retail, offering a spacious setting for unique shopping experiences.
- Creative Studios or Co-Working Spaces: Warehouses and industrial buildings can be converted into open, flexible spaces for co-working, creative workshops or studios.
Considerations: Warehouses often require significant retrofitting to meet safety, accessibility and aesthetic standards for public use. Additionally, rezoning or council approvals may be required if the new use differs substantially from the original purpose.
4. Mixed-Use Buildings
Mixed-use buildings, which typically combine residential and commercial elements, provide flexibility for conversions and adaptations. Ground-floor spaces in mixed-use buildings are commonly converted to:
- Cafes and Restaurants: The residential presence often increases foot traffic, making these spaces ideal for food and beverage businesses.
- Boutiques or Specialty Stores: Mixed-use buildings in residential neighbourhoods offer opportunities for convenience stores, small markets or niche retail, such as florists or craft stores.
- Health and Wellness Centres: Spaces can also be converted into fitness studios, salons or healthcare services, which benefit from their proximity to residential areas.
Considerations: Mixed-use spaces come with unique requirements, such as noise control to maintain a peaceful environment for residents. Additionally, certain uses, like restaurants, may have limitations on operating hours or require specific approvals to ensure community compatibility.
5. Former Hospitality Venues
Properties previously used for hospitality, such as restaurants or bars, are often repurposed with minimal changes. Popular conversions include:
- Retail Stores: A former restaurant or bar space can often be easily converted into a retail shop, as these venues typically have street-level access and open layouts.
- Health Clinics or Wellness Centres: The layout of hospitality spaces can be adapted for wellness or healthcare facilities, such as physical therapy clinics or holistic wellness centres.
Considerations: When converting a former hospitality venue, it’s important to evaluate the existing infrastructure, such as kitchen and plumbing facilities, as these can either support or limit potential uses.
Key Steps to Ensure a Successful Application
Converting commercial properties to different uses requires careful planning and, in most cases, council approval. Here’s how to ensure a smoother transition:
- Verify Zoning and Use Permissions: Check your property’s zoning in the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and ensure the new use is permissible. Some uses may require a change in zoning or a Development Application (DA) to formalise the new function.
- Consider a Complying Development Certificate (CDC): If your project aligns with specific standards under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), you may qualify for a CDC, a faster pathway than a DA. For more complex conversions, a DA may be necessary.
- Engage with a Town Planner or Architect: Consulting professionals like town planners can help identify potential compliance issues and streamline the process. ApproveAll Town Planning provides specialised guidance for commercial property conversions, ensuring a thorough and compliant approach.
- Prepare for Potential Modifications: Certain conversions may require structural changes or infrastructure upgrades, such as additional plumbing, electrical adjustments, or accessibility enhancements, to meet building codes and safety standards.
For professional support with planning, zoning, and council approvals, ApproveAll Town Planning provides expert guidance through town planners and architects to help bring your vision to life.
Contact us at projects@approveall.com.au or give us a call on (02) 8000 9150
