Space strategy · Planning guide · 3 min read
Good space starts with better questions.
Look beyond the address and build a space brief around how your business actually operates.
Write down the non-negotiables
Separate what your business needs from what would be nice to have. A retail brand may prioritise frontage and customer access; an office team may focus on commuting and usable layouts; a warehouse or dark store may need reliable loading access. Share the intended use, preferred areas, approximate size and target opening date with your advisor.
Walk through a working day
Imagine customers, staff, suppliers and deliveries moving through the property. Where do they enter, wait, load and leave? Ask about operating hours, lift access, parking, utilities and building rules. Visit with the people who will use the space so their everyday requirements become part of the discussion before the shortlist narrows.
Compare the complete requirement
Ask for a clear breakdown of the commercial proposal and the work needed to make each space usable. Discuss fit-out responsibilities, maintenance arrangements, handover condition and the expected timeline. Compare each option against the same brief, recording open questions as well as attractive features. Ask relevant specialists to review matters within their expertise.
Plan the handover before the launch
Agree who will coordinate the remaining checks, approvals, documentation and fit-out discussions. Keep a shared list of dependencies and decision dates. Your final conversation should cover how the property supports your next stage of growth, as well as how the team will get it ready for day one.