Planning replacement shopfronts and commercial entrances
For property teams, retailers and contractors
Replacing a shopfront or entrance on an existing building is rarely just a product swap. The unit may need to keep trading, the surrounding structure may hold surprises and landlords or planners may have a say in what goes back. Planning ahead keeps disruption down.
1. Understand what is there
A survey establishes sizes, how the existing frontage is fixed, the condition of the structure around it and what is hidden behind fascias and stallrisers. Photographs before the survey help identify issues early.
2. Check approvals
Altering a shopfront often needs planning permission, particularly in conservation areas or on listed buildings. Leases usually require landlord consent, and shopping centres may have their own design guidelines. These are normally handled by the occupier or their agent before an order is placed.
3. Design for use
Think about how the frontage will be used every day:
- Customer access, door widths, thresholds and accessibility
- Deliveries and staff access
- Security out of hours
- Display and signage
- Cleaning and maintenance
4. Plan around trading
If the unit needs to stay open, agree the working hours, the order of work and how the premises will be secured at the end of each shift. Temporary hoarding or boarding may be needed. Removing the old frontage and fitting the new one as close together as possible reduces exposure.
5. Coordinate the other trades
Signage, shutters, alarms, access control, flooring and electrical work all meet the shopfront or entrance. Agree who does what and in what order, so that the glazing is not installed only to be removed for another trade.
Planning checklist
Before asking for a price, try to have:
- Photographs of the existing frontage, inside and out
- Any approvals or landlord requirements
- The required opening or completion date
- Trading hours and access constraints
- Requirements for the entrance door, including any automatic operation
General guidance only. Requirements for a specific project are set by its specification, design team and the applicable regulations.