Value

Bunnings Group embarked on a significant expansion project at its existing Dubbo location on the corner of Mitchell Highway and Sheraton Road. The project aims to enhance Bunnings’ footprint in regional NSW by increasing retail space, improving customer experience, and bolstering operational efficiency.

MBC Group was engaged as the Principal Certifier for the project, overseeing compliance with the NCC, relevant Australian Standards, and local planning requirements. As Principal Certifier, our responsibilities included:

- Development and Compliance Consultation: ensuring all design elements adhered to the NCC and Dubbo Regional Council’s planning requirements
- Approval Coordination: managing Construction Certificates and Occupation Certificates in collaboration with the project team
- Site Inspections and Certification: conducting staged inspections to assess structural integrity, fire safety compliance, accessibility provisions, and energy efficiency measures
- Stakeholder Engagement: liaising with Bunnings’ project managers and contractors to mitigate risks and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the construction phase

Key Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Given the large-scale retail environment and the inclusion of a new trade sales area, stringent fire safety measures were required.

Solution: we worked closely with fire engineers to validate fire compartmentation, egress strategies, and smoke hazard management, ensuring adherence to performance-based design requirements.

Ensuring Accessibility and Sustainability

Challenge: The project required alignment with evolving accessibility standards and sustainability objectives.

Solution: we provided expert guidance on universal access design, energy-efficient building materials, and sustainable construction practices in line with NCC mandates.

Project Impact and Outcomes

Regulatory Assurance: our proactive approach ensured all approvals were secured without project delays.

Quality and Safety Compliance: our certification processes maintained high standards for workmanship, safety, and long-term sustainability.

Efficient Project Delivery: by streamlining compliance procedures, we supported timely construction progress, keeping the expansion on schedule for completion in 2025.

Conclusion

MBC Group’s role for the Bunnings Dubbo expansion demonstrates our expertise in navigating regulatory frameworks, mitigating project risks, and delivering compliance excellence. Our contribution has reinforced Bunnings’ ability to enhance its presence in Dubbo, ensuring a high-quality, future-proofed retail environment for the local community.