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Indicative construction costs of shopping centre developments
Development typeCost £/m2 gfa
Shopping centre, new buildnew build
Shopping centre mall, comfort cooled2200-3500
Shopping centre food court2500-3600
Factory outlet centre mall - enclosed2000-3000
Factory outlet centre mall - open350-600
Retail shells, capped-off services onlyÌý
-anchor store units500-700
-medium/small store units650-800
Landlord's back-up areasÌý
-centre management/crèche950-1450
-WCs1400-1600
-enclosed, surface-level service yard700-900
Shopping centre, refurbishmentÌý
Shopping centre mall, limited scope700-1050
Shopping centre mall, comprehensive1000-1500
Additional facilities, new buildÌý
Car parking, surface35-50
Car parking, surface, landscaped60-85
Car parking, grade and upoper level120-180
Car parking, multistorey, flat slab220-280
Car parking, semi-basement, naturally ventilated290-340
Leisure shell 600-900
Multiplex cinema, shell only600-850
Typical floor loadings
ÌýkN/m2
Malls (pedestrian areas)5.0-6.0
Malls (areas for maintenance access)7.5
Retail sales area5.0-6.0
Retail sales area (mezzanine)4
Retail storage5
Service yards11
Plant7.5
Car parking2.5
Typical allowances for the dead load of partitions, suspended services, and ceilings and floor finishes in retail areas can range from 1.5 to 3.8 kN/m2Ìý
Cost breakdown
ÌýElement cost (£)Cost/m2 gfa (£)% of total cost
Demolitions and alterations38 0008.840.94
Allowance for survey of existing structureÌýitem @£15 000
Demolishing existing roof structure; frame, slab and finishes; disposalÌýitem @£10 000
Demolishing existing rooflight glazing and secondary structure; disposalÌý230 m2 @£10
Demolishing existing mall end panels; retaining structural steel frameworkÌý160 m2 @£20
Removal of existing entrance screenÌýitem @£5,000
Removal of signs and other fixtures and fittings, including isolation of electrical supplyÌýitem @£2,500
Frame30 0006.980.74
Structural steel frame for new rooflights; framing; fabricationÌý15 t @£1,100
Surface finishes; intumescent paint, one-hour fire resistance; decorative top-coat Ìý300 m2 @£25
Allowance for additional structural repairsÌýitem @£6,000
Roof576 800134.1414.2
Built-up felt roofing; cleaning and preparing substrate; replacement coverings Ìý1600 m2 @£27
Extra for upstandsÌý360 m @£24
Rooflight glazing; aluminium-framed, sealed double-glazed unitsÌý870 m2 @£350
Extra for automatic smoke vents; including modifications to controlsÌý870 m2 @£170
Extra for secondary steelwork framing to main mall rooflightÌý270 m2 @£30
Allowance for repair works to retained roof finishes and copingsÌýItem @£7,500
Rooflight access gantries; sliding action; support rails; 600 mm wideÌý32 m @£1,000
Allowance for modifications to existing roof-level access platformsÌýItem @£5,000
Allowance for latchway roof safety systemÌýItem @£20 000
External walls, windows and doors98 40022.882.42
Removal of existing, high-level, aluminium-framed, single-glazed windowsÌýItem @£1,500
Profiled grp infill panels to existing openings; contractor's designÌý225 m2 @£135
Replacement windows; aluminium-framed sealed double-glazed units; 800 x 1350 mm; including grp cladding to revealsÌý9 nr @£500
Allowance for modifications to bulkheads and surrounds to retained entrance doors and lobbiesÌýItem @£12 000
Allowance for replacement entrance screen, entrance doors and canopyÌýItem @£50 000
Wall finishes217 80050.655.36
Removal of existing wall tilingÌý490 m2 @£4
Strip-out of existing wall finishes; aluminium sandwich panels at high level; framing Ìý500 m2 @£11
Grp vertical linings; support framework; fixing to existing structure at high level; including trims etcÌý500 m2 @£120
Grp gable-end linings; to interior of mall rooflightsÌý150 m2 @£300
Decorations; two coats emulsion paintÌý650 m2 @£3
Wall tiling; resin-based conglomerateÌý765 m2 @£125
Allowance for rubber-clad bump railsÌý24 m @£195
Allowance for corner guardsÌý190 m @£16
Floor finishes535 700124.5813.19
Breaking out existing wall tilingÌý4300 m2 @£4
Making good existing screed; terazzo tiling; including trims, expansion joints, etcÌý4300 m2 @£100
Extra for laying terazzo out of hoursÌý4300 m2 @£15
Allowance for doormats to entrance lobbiesÌýItem @£14 000
Extra for phased works maintaining access to shopsÌýItem @£10 000
Ceiling finishes656 200152.616.16
Strip-out of existing ceiling finishes; aluminium sandwich panels at high level; framingÌý1000 m2 @£11
Strip-out of existing ceiling finishes; mineral fibre tiles; framingÌý2100 m2 @£7
Cutting out isolated sections of existing grp suspended linings; making good Ìý45 m2 @£140
Grp suspended ceilings; support framework; fixing to existing roof structure at high level including trims, etc; forming holes for luminaires, sprinkler heads etcÌý3100 m2 @£110
Extra over grp suspended ceilings for panels to match existingÌý32 m2 @£165
Extra over grp suspended ceilings for concave profile ceiling panelsÌý50 m2 @£100
Extra over for access panels; generallyÌý660 nr @£95
Grp suspended beam casings; stainless steel bracket supports; secondary framework; fixing to existing structure; generally Ìý525 m2 @£190
Grp upstands, downstands and bulkheads; generallyÌý626 m @£65
Decorations; two coats emulsion paint at high levelÌý4050 m2 @£5
Fixed smoke curtains; glass, 500 mm to 1000 mm deep;Ìý65 m @£11
Cavity barriers; average height 450 mm; formed to profile of grp ceilingÌý115 m @£35
Furniture and fittings55 00012.791.35
Allowance for mall furniture and fittingsÌýItem @ £20 000
Allowance for banners in mallsÌýItem @ £2,500
Allowance for signage and imagingÌýItem @ £30 000
Fire extinguishers ÌýItem @ £2,500
Space heating and ventilation235 50054.775.8
Supply air installation; replacement of existing supply air grilles including modifications to ductworkÌý4300 m2 @£15
Extract fan installation to low ceiling areasÌýItem @£18 000
Allowance for localised mechanical smoke extract installationÌýItem @£64 000
Temporary smoke extract installationÌý4300 m2 @£10
Allowance for additional modifications to existing mechanical installationsÌýItem @£40 000
Testing and commissioningÌýItem @£6,000
Electrical installations510 500118.7212.57
Lighting installation to mall areas; including removal of existing lighting and luminairesÌý4300 m2 @£90
Emergency lighting installation to malls; luminaires at high and low levelÌý4300 m2 @£5
Temporary mall lightingÌý4300 m2 @£5
Small power installation to mall areasÌý4300 m2 @£10
Allowance for power supply distribution to mechanical plantÌýItem @£18 000
Allowance for additional modifications to existing electrical installationsÌýItem @£10 000
Testing and commissioningÌýItem @£9,500
Gas installation5 0001.160.12
Relocation of existing gas pipeworkÌýItem @£5,000
Protective installations125 00029.073.08
Remove existing hose reels and mains service, cap-off service, including removal of existing stone-clad hose reel plinthsÌý6 nr @£750
Modifications to existing sprinkler installations; new heads and distribution pipework; modifications to mains pipework, including decorations to pipework where exposedÌý4300 m2 @£20
Extra for sprinkler installation to ceiling voidsÌýItem @£31 000
Testing and commissioningÌýItem @£9,500
Communications installations92 60021.532.28
Fire alarm installation, fully addressable analogue type, including optical smoke detectors at high level in malls; public address systemÌý4300 m2 @£16
Temporary fire alarm installationÌý4300 m2 @£5
Testing and commissioningÌýItem @£2,300
Builders work in connection50 00011.631.23
Protection of existing systemsÌýItem @£2,000
Forming holes, chases, etc, allow 5%ÌýItem @£48 000
Preliminaries and contingencies835 000194.1920.56
Contractor's overheads, site establishment and site supervision, allow 10% ÌýItem @£232 000
Extra for scaffolding and crash decksÌýItem @£270 000
Design reserve and contingency, allow 7.5%ÌýItem @£242 000
Total construction cost (building only)4 061 500944.53100
Shopping centre extension cost breakdown
ÌýElement cost (£)Cost/m2 gfa (£)% of total cost
Demolitions700 00082.359.88
Demolition and site clearance, including temporary worksÌýItem @£450 000
Allowance for service diversions, drainage diversions, etc, including associated builders' workÌýItem @£250 000
Substructure960 000112.9413.54
Reinforced concrete ground beams and ground slabÌý5500 m2 @£95
CFA piling, average diameter 500, disposalÌý5500 m2 @£75
Allowance for pile testingÌýItem @£25 000
Frame739 5008710.44
Structural steel framing to shop units, 45 kg/m2Ìý375 t @£1,100
Extra for increased spans to large space users @ 70 kg/m2Ìý120 t @£1,100
Structural steel framing to mall roof canopy and mansards; hollow sections; allowance based on 30 kg/m2Ìý25 t @£1,800
Fire protection; vermiculite board; two-hour fire resistanceÌý4500 m2 @£30
Fire protection; intumescent paint; one-hour fire resistance; to mall roof canopyÌý600 m2 @£25
Upper floors186 90021.992.64
Insitu concrete composite floor slabs; power floatingÌý3300 m2 @£50
Extra for 7.5 kN/m2 floor loading to plant room areasÌý300 m2 @£5
Extra for forming knock-out panels for tenant's staircasesÌý17 nr @£1,200
Roof1 251 900147.2817.67
Insitu concrete composite roof slab; retail shellsÌý5650 m2 @£48
Extra for forming knock out panels for tenant's roof accessÌý17 nr @£1,200
Roof coverings; single-ply membrane; insulation; ballast; perimeter treatments; retail shellsÌý5720 m2 @£45
Extra for upstands/flashings to roof openingsÌý5720 m2 @£45
Roof coverings; natural slates, battens, vapour barrier; insulation; forming mansard to high street frontageÌý400 m2 @£70
Mall rooflights; sealed double-glazed units; powder-coated aluminium framing; secondary steelworkÌý530 m2 @£350
Extra for perforated panel sunscreen; polyester coated mild steel sheet; tubular steel sub-frameÌý265 m2 @£150
Extra for automatic smoke vents; interface to BMS and fire alarmÌý190 m @£16
Allowance for external rooflight access installationÌýItem @£75 000
Allowance for mansafe system to roof handrails to plan areasÌýItem @£25 000
Allowance for rainwater goodsÌý6250 m2 @£5
Stairs20 0002.350.28
Insitu concrete stairs and half landing; overall rise 4.20 m; polyester-coated, mild steel handrails; finishes; plant room and roof accessÌý2 nr @£5,000
Allowance for access platforms and stairs within plantroomsÌýItem @£10 000
External walls256 00030.123.61
Cavity wall; elevations to high street frontage; good quality facing brick, reconstituted stone features; cavity; insulation; 140 mm blockwork inner leafÌý210 m2 @£140
Cavity wall; rear elevations; facing bricks; cavity insulation; 140 mm blockwork inner leafÌý1900 m2 @£85
Louvre panels; powder-coated aluminiumÌý210 m2 @£250
Cladding; returns to mall entrance; composite aluminium insulated panels, framing; accessoriesÌý70 m2 @£180
Windows and external doors155 00018.242.19
Windows to high street elevation; thermally broken aluminium frame; sealed double-glazed unit; polyester powder coatingÌý30 m2 @£300
Entrance screen; aluminium frame; sealed double-glazed units; polyester powder coating; 2 nr entrance door sets; ironmongeryÌý90 m2 @£500
Extra for double entrance door sets; completeÌý2 nr @£5,000
Extra for cantilevered single-glazed planar entrance canopy; stainless steel supportsÌý25 m2 @£1,000
Steel faced; cellular core doors and frames; polyester powder coating; ironmongery Ìý44 nr @£1,500
Internal walls and partitions259 80030.563.67
Blockwork partitions; 140 mm average thick; divisions between retail units; fire stopping; head restraintÌý5300 m2 @£40
Toilet cubicle partitionsÌý10 nr @£1,000
Melamine faced solid laminate access ductingÌýItem @£15 000
Temporary shopfronts; painted plyÌý650 m2 @£35
Internal doors62 6007.360.88
Flush doors; non-fire rated; solid core laminate faced; hardwood frames; decorations; stainless steel ironmongery; completeÌý14 nr @£900
Fire shutters; to shopfronts of larger retail units onlyÌý50 m @£1,000
Wall finishes222 00026.123.13
Grp wall linings; support framework; fixing to blockworkÌý950 m2 @£120
Extra for profile services bulkhead/duct casing to mall perimeter; overall girth 1.2 mÌý150 m @£180
Grp column cladding; forming profiled pilasters between retail units Ìý65 m @£350
Two coats emulsion paint to grpÌý1200 m2 @£3
Facia panel over shopfront units; including shopfront fixing channelÌý120 m @£350
Ceramic tiles; sand cement backing; to blockwork; to common areasÌý230 m2 @£55
Floor finishes103 10012.131.45
Terrazzo tiles; sand cement screed; average 50 mm thick; including allowance for skirtingÌý600 m2 @£80
Extra for inlaid patterns and featuresÌý600 m2 @£30
Extra for angle trims, divisions strips and movement jointsÌý600 m2 @£20
Ceramic tiles; sand cement screed; average 50 mm thick; including coved skirtingsÌý60 m2 @£60
Concrete hardener/dust seal; to plant roomsÌý300 m2 @£5
Mats and matwellsÌý50 m2 @£400
Ceiling finshes48 4005.690.68
Grp suspended ceilings and linings; support framework; fixing to soffit of roof structure at high level; including trims, etcÌý450 m2 @£100
Suspended ceilings; metal pan tiles; lay in grid; generallyÌý60 m2 @£40
Decorations; two coats emulsion paint at high levelÌý250 m2 @£4
Furniture and fittings150 00017.652.12
Allowance for mall furnitureÌýItem @£20 000
Centre directory boardsÌý2 nr @£5,000
Vanity units; mirrors; fittings, etc to WCsÌýItem @£10 000
Statutory and directional signing to mallÌýItem @£30 000
Allowance for banners and high-level featuresÌýItem @£10 000
Allowance for features and plantingÌýItem @£50 000
Guard rails and barriers to service areasÌýItem @£20 000
Sanitary fittings10 7001.260.15
WCs, urinals, washhand basins; generallyÌý33 nr @£300
Extra for fittings for disable WCsÌý1 nr @£100
Cleaners sinksÌý2 nr @£350
Disposal installations60 9007.160.86
Rainwater disposal; cast-iron downpipes and fittingsÌý8500 m2 @£3
Waste, soil and vent installation; cast-iron pipework and fittingsÌý33 nr @£300
Capped connection; soil stack; cast-iron pipework and fittings; to retail shellsÌý17 nr @£1,500
Water installations40 8004.80.58
Hot and cold water service; calorifiers; hot and cold water storage; distribution to WCs etcÌý51 nr @£300
Capped connection; flow meter to retail shellsÌý17 nr @£1,500
Space heating and air treatment247 80029.153.5
Supply and extract ventilation to mall; low-temperature, hot-water heating including heat source; chilled water, air handling units; perimeter ductwork distribution; high-quality diffusers; including provision for smoke extract through air-handling units Ìý660 m2 @£330
Warm air curtains; to mall entranceÌýItem @£15 000
Extra for toilet extract installationÌýItem @£10 000
Plant room ventilationÌýItem @£5,000
Electrical installations211 10024.842.98
Mains and sub-mains installationÌýItem @£100 000
Landlord's small power distribution in mall and common areasÌý660 m2 @£32
Lighting and luminaires to mallÌý600 m2 @£90
Lighting and luminaires to common areasÌý60 m2 @£40
Extra over for emergency lighting installationÌý660 m2 @£10
Electrical services to retail shellsÌý17 nr @£1,000
Power to mechanical servicesÌýItem @£10 000
Gas installation60 5007.120.85
Gas installation ÌýItem @£10 000
Capped off gas supplies to retail shells; check meteringÌý17 nr @£1,500
Lift installations25 0002.940.35
Dock levellers to large store unitsÌý5 nr @£5,000
Protective installations89 70010.551.27
Sprinkler installation; mall onlyÌý660 m2 @£20
Extra for capped-off supply to shop units including water storageÌý17 nr @£3,000
Lighting protection Ìý8500 m2 @£2
Earthing and bondingÌý8500 m2 @£1
Communications installations90 10010.61.27
Fire, smoke detection and alarm system; analogue addressable type; to mall and public areas; including allowance for capacity for retail units in control panel; interface with management centre ÌýItem @£25 000
Extra for temporary automatic fire detection in retail shellsÌý17 nr @£300
Public address system; mall and common areas onlyÌýItem @£10 000
Intruder detection; monitoring to entraces to malls and retail shellsÌý8500 m2 @£2
Access control ÌýItem @£5,000
CCTV system; 10 nr camerasÌýItem @£25 000
Wireways for landlord's telephones and dataÌýItem @£3,000
Special installations60 0007.060.85
ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø management system; mall and common areas; interface with retail units ÌýItem @£60 000
Builder's work in connection45 0005.290.63
Forming holes, chases, etc - allow 5%ÌýItem @£45 000
Preliminaries and contingencies1 030 000121.1814.53
Contractor's overheads, site establishment and site supervision, excluding design fees - allow 12%ÌýItem @£727 000
Contingency sum - allow 5%ÌýItem @£303 000
Total construction cost (building only)7 086 800833.73100
Regional variations
All costs in this article are based on schemes in the South-east and should be adjusted by the following location factors fo projects in other areas
Inner London 1.1
Outer London 1.04
South-west0.95
East Midlands 0.93
West Midlands 0.95
East Anglia 0.95
Yorkshire and Humberside0.93
North-west0.98
Northern0.93
Scotland0.96
Wales0.94
Northern Ireland 0.82