The challenges of commercial refurbishments
November 26, 2021



Refurbishing your commercial space has a whole range of benefits including improved efficiency, cost reduction and greater functionality.

If your space needs a bit of a spruce up, here are three considerations to take into account.

Designing your floor plan

Unless you’re adding an extension to your building, it’s fair to say you might be somewhat restricted when designing your floor plan. You’ll be limited by the actual structure of the building, so it’s crucial to have a designer that can work around this to give you the best refurbishment possible.

Think about the workflow in your space when placing benches and other key internal structures. Light can also make a huge difference, and carefully placed interior lighting can bring your commercial space to life.

Maintaining productivity

Commercial refurbishments usually mean there’s temporary disruption to your usual business operations. If your business tends to have quiet times of the year, it’s worth considering doing the refurbishment during that period. 

Discuss timelines with your builder well in advance so you can plan ahead. If you usually have employees in the space, keep them in the loop about your plans for them during the refurbishment project to avoid any anxiety or confusion.  

Increasing sustainability

Most older buildings haven’t been built with materials or services that are environmentally friendly, so a refurbishment is the perfect time to make sustainable changes. 

It can be hard to know where to start, so talk to your builder about how you can increase the sustainability of your space. 

For example, old heating and cooling systems often rack up huge energy bills. There’s now a wide range of systems that will reduce both your energy bills and carbon footprint. 

LED lighting and environmentally friendly insulation can also play a strong role in reducing costs. 


Recent projects

October 2, 2025
Where It All Began 
KFC restaurant exterior with a large sign featuring Colonel Sanders against a red and black background.
By Michael Hawkes December 18, 2024
The recent completion of the KFC in Stuart Park highlights our ability to meet the demands of a high-profile franchise while maintaining a focus on quality and efficiency. The Project Situated at 43 Stuart Highway, next to Sweet Brew Café, the new KFC Stuart Park stands on a site that was once a vacant single allotment. We transformed the unused land into a fully operational restaurant designed to meet KFC’s strict global specifications. The project was completed on time, and the restaurant opened its doors in November 2024. Key Achievements Franchise Standards: Meeting KFC’s global requirements, we ensured every detail—from kitchen equipment to interior finishes—aligned with their brand identity. Efficient Design: The layout was optimised for high-volume service, durability, and operational efficiency. Local Impact: The project created 50 new jobs, contributing to the economic growth of the Darwin community. Why M+J Builders? We specialise in delivering complex commercial projects. Whether it’s a national brand or a bespoke development, we bring the same level of dedication to every build.
A modern pavilion with steps leading up, palm trees, and a sunset sky.
By Michael Hawkes December 18, 2024
Cullen Bay has always been a favourite spot for locals and visitors, offering a laid-back, tropical waterside lifestyle just moments from Darwin’s CBD. Recently, the precinct has undergone a revitalisation aimed at strengthening the connection between the beachfront and marina, while enhancing the area’s appeal with new greening and cooling initiatives. Role in the Revitalisation As part of the Cullen Bay revitalisation project, M+J Builders played a key role in transforming the precinct into a more vibrant, accessible space: Shade Structures: We installed three new shade structures around the marina, providing much-needed relief from the harsh tropical sun and creating spaces for visitors to relax in comfort. Seating & Gathering Spaces: Our team worked on installing informal seating areas, paving, and concrete works, plus arbours over shops to create inviting spots for social interaction and relaxation. Artistic Lighting: To bring the precinct to life at night, we added lighting that creates stunning art effects, making the space a lively destination after dark. Accessibility Improvements: We made sure that Cullen Bay is accessible to everyone by building pathways for disabled access to the beach and gardens. Overcoming Challenges This project came with its share of challenges, including managing pedestrian traffic, navigating council property constraints, and coordinating works around busy roads and local businesses. With careful planning and execution, our team ensured the area remained accessible throughout the process, minimising disruptions to the public as the site always has high numbers of foot traffic. A Collaborative Effort The revitalisation was a joint effort led by the Northern Territory Government and Cullen Bay Marina Management Corporation, with funding and oversight focused on creating cooler, more attractive spaces that would draw both locals and tourists. The goal was to improve liveability and bring more visitors to this prime location in Darwin. Experience the New Cullen Bay Cullen Bay now features a refreshed streetscape with shade trees, lawns, and tropical plants, making it a much cooler and inviting place. The improvements not only enhance the look and feel of the area but also support local businesses by encouraging more foot traffic. We invite you to visit Cullen Bay and see the transformations for yourself. Whether you’re relaxing by the water, dining at one of the local cafes, or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Cullen Bay offers something for everyone. At M+J Builders, we’re proud to have contributed to this exciting project and helped make Cullen Bay an even more special place.