Homemaker Centre - Alexandria

Commercial Property

Project Value: Approx $400,000
Duration: 3 months

Dukes completed a full external repaint of the Alexandria Homemaker Centre, a large-format retail complex in Sydney’s busy inner-city commercial zone. The project was delivered over a three-month period through disciplined night-time work to avoid disrupting daily retail operations and formed part of a broader rebranding initiative.

Project objectives and overview

Our client, a commercial property owner and asset manager, had three core objectives: rebrand the retail complex with a new, fresh corporate colour scheme, minimise disruption for tenants and customers, and deliver a high-quality finish that could withstand constant foot traffic and exposure in a busy commercial precinct. Achieving this required careful planning, consistent communication and disciplined execution.

The full project scope included:

  • External repainting of the main retail building façade
  • Painting of loading dock areas and associated structures
  • Full repainting of the external car park and all entry points
  • Surface repairs, including concrete rectification and sealant replacement, prior to coating application

The scope was later expanded to include minor remedial works that improved the overall finish and durability of the outcome.

Access and work methodology

Given the urban location and active retail environment, Dukes employed a night-time delivery model that ensured full continuity of retail operations and eliminated risk to the public. This approach was supported by:

  • Portable LED lighting for visibility and safety
  • Elevated Work Platforms (EWP) for efficient façade access
  • Clear staging zones and delineated safety boundaries to ensure compliance and avoid daytime disruption

“Retail operations remained fully active throughout delivery, and both the facility and project managers noted Dukes’ strength in managing access, quality and communication from start to finish.”

Project outcomes

The project was delivered without incident, inside budget and within the agreed timeline. Retail operations remained fully active throughout delivery, and both the facility and project managers noted Dukes’ strength in managing access, quality and communication from start to finish.

On-site tenants also shared unsolicited positive feedback, highlighting the refreshed appearance of the complex and how the new branding enhanced the centre’s retail presence and the property owner’s reputation for maintenance and presentation as a premium retail environment.

View more commercial painting projects.

Challenges

Working in a dense urban retail environment presented several logistical and technical challenges:

  • Night shift execution: Delivery required disciplined logistics, shift planning and reliable illumination to maintain quality and safety across all trades.
  • Inner-city footprint: Operating in a high-traffic area meant strict adherence to noise limits, safety regulations and local council requirements.

Considerations

In addition to site access and scheduling, a number of technical considerations shaped delivery:

  • Substrate repairs: Concrete rectification and flexible sealant replacement were completed before coating to ensure durability and a uniform finish.
  • Brand alignment: The repaint had to reflect a national retail identity, which required precise colour matching, clean lines and sharp detailing across signage and façade elements.

Coating system

Dukes selected the Dulux Acratex system for its durability and performance in exposed commercial settings:

  • AcraPrime: A primer that stabilises the substrate and promotes adhesion while levelling surface inconsistencies
  • Acrashield: A high-build, flexible membrane coating that protects against UV, resists cracking, and maintains colour vibrancy over time

Project Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Dukes for my commercial property painting project?

Dukes delivers compliant, large-scale, high-quality painting and remediation projects that protect and enhance commercial property assets. We work to your budget, timeline and stakeholder requirements, offering structured project delivery with minimal disruption and maximum return on investment

How do you minimise disruption to tenants and operations?

We carefully schedule every project to align with operational needs, and liaise with facility managers, tenants and stakeholders before commencement. Our site teams always provide daily updates to keep things running smoothly and with no surprises.

Do you have experience working in live commercial environments?

Yes. We specialise in large-scale, live-site projects for commercial clients. Whether repainting a retail centre or upgrading a corporate façade, our team delivers results safely, efficiently and without disrupting business continuity.

What safety and compliance standards do you meet?

Our externally audited WHS system ensures strict adherence to safety standards. We are licensed, insured and fully compliant with commercial property access and regulatory requirements, which reduces associated risk and ensures client peace of mind.

What kind of quality and warranties can I expect?

We use premium coatings from trusted brands, apply them according to specification, and perform regular quality checks throughout. All work is backed by warranty, with prompt resolution in the rare case that issues arise.

Who manages the project and how is communication handled?

You’ll have a dedicated Project Manager overseeing all stages of delivery. They’ll coordinate trades, manage site activities, and serve as your single point of contact — backed by a team of estimators, supervisors and foremen committed to seamless communication and execution​.

Why Choose Dukes

Safety
First

Dukes’ comprehensive, externally audited safety system ensures strict adherence to WHS standards, protecting residents and our team.

Regulatory
Compliance

Our work meets aged care safety, access, and compliance standards, ensuring full regulatory alignment and peace of mind.

Clear
Communication

Residents and staff receive timely updates, detailed notices, and progress reports to stay fully informed throughout the project.

Resident
Respect

We minimise noise, respect personal spaces, and adapt schedules to suit residents’ needs for a stress-free experience.

Uncompromising
Quality

Expert teams deliver durable finishes, regular quality checks, and warranties for long-lasting results.

Are you ready to protect or enhance your retirement living or aged care facility? For transformative commercial painting and remediation solutions, contact the experienced team at Dukes today.