BRL Contracting offers compliant, inclusive retail fitouts with AS 1428.1 accessibility features, creating accessible and welcoming Melbourne retail spaces.
For Melbourne retailers, inclusive retail fitouts are no longer an option—they are an essential part of delivering a safe, compliant, and welcoming environment. With the National Construction Code referencing AS 1428.1, accessibility features must be integrated into every retail space. Building inclusivity into your fitout ensures compliance, enhances customer experience, and reinforces your brand as a business that values community access and independence.
Below are some of the practical accessibility features to consider:
• Doorways & Entrances – Accessible entrances require doorways with clear openings and compliant circulation for mobility device users. Lever handles, automatic doors and slip-resistant thresholds further improve safety.
• Ramps, Walkways & Stairs – Retail spaces with level changes require ramps, landings, kerbs and handrails designed to AS 1428.1 with safe, visible surfaces. Stairs must also include compliant nosing and continuous handrails for accessibility.
• Counters, Service Points & POS – Transaction counters need an accessible section with correct height, clearance and approach space. Including compliant EFTPOS, writing surfaces, and privacy ensures equal service for all customers.
• Aisles, Fixtures & Merchandising – Aisles must be wide enough for wheelchair users to pass and turn, with fixtures arranged to keep paths accessible and shelves within reach ranges. Flexible layouts should support seasonal changes without reducing accessibility.
• Signage & Wayfinding (Beyond the Minimums) – Clear, high-contrast signage supports independent navigation, with braille and tactile signs required in specific locations like sanitary facilities. Logical placement, consistent design and correct mounting heights further enhance accessibility for all shoppers.
• Sanitary Facilities That Work for Everyone – Accessible toilets and ambulant cubicles are essential in retail fitouts, requiring compliant circulation, grabrails and fixture dimensions. Slip-resistant finishes and luminance contrast ensure safe and independent use.
• Changerooms & Fitting Rooms (Retail-Specific) – Apparel retailers should provide at least one accessible changeroom with circulation space, a bench, accessible hooks and full-length mirrors. Easy-to-use doors or curtains ensure dignity and independence for all customers.
• Hearing & Low-Vision Support – Inclusive design includes auditory and visual support, with hearing augmentation systems aiding customers at service counters. Good lighting, reduced glare, and luminance contrast improve navigation for low-vision customers.
• TGSI – When You Need It (and When You Don’t) – Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI) are required at locations such as stairs, ramps and platform edges, with correct placement and contrast essential. They should only be installed where prescribed, as overuse in small retail spaces can cause clutter and confusion.
How BRL Contracting Delivers Accessible Retail Fitouts
At BRL Contracting, we understand that inclusive retail fitouts are about more than compliance—they are about creating spaces where every customer feels welcome. Our team delivers this through:
• Design & Construct expertise: accessibility integrated into planning and layout.
• Precise set-out and joinery: dimensions and finishes built to AS 1428.1 requirements.
• Quality shopfitting: functional and compliant service counters, fixtures, and signage.
• Ongoing maintenance: ensuring accessible paths remain clear and facilities remain compliant.
Build Inclusive Retail Fitouts with BRL Contracting
Inclusive retail fitouts are both a legal requirement and a chance to expand your customer base by integrating AS 1428.1 features for a compliant, practical and welcoming environment. BRL Contracting delivers this through our expert fitout services, ensuring every retail space meets accessibility standards without losing style or function. Contact us today to start your fitout journey.
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