Class 7 & 8 Warehouse and Industrial Design NSW
Warehouse, factory and industrial building design across NSW. Class 7a/7b/8 compliance, fire engineering and DA coordination.
Contact UsIndustrial project scope
- Standalone warehouses and factory units
- Industrial estate developments
- Storage and distribution facilities
- Laboratories and food-grade facilities
- Workshop and trade premises
Costs and timeline
| Scale | Design fee | Approval timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Small warehouse (500–1,000 m²) | $40,000 – $100,000 | 4 – 6 months |
| Medium industrial (2,000–5,000 m²) | $100,000 – $300,000 | 6 – 9 months |
| Large / state significant | $300,000+ | 12+ months |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Class 7 and Class 8 buildings?
Class 7 covers warehouses, storage buildings and display areas (Class 7a warehouses and Class 7b bulk storage). Class 8 covers laboratories and factories where goods are produced for trade or sale. Both classes are industrial buildings with specific fire safety, structural and environmental compliance requirements.
How much does warehouse design cost in Sydney?
Small warehouse or factory unit (500–1,000 m²): design fees $40,000–$100,000. Medium industrial facility (2,000–5,000 m²): $100,000–$300,000. Fees typically 4–7% of construction cost. Food-grade or laboratory facilities cost significantly more due to specialised services.
What approvals do I need for a new warehouse in NSW?
New warehouses need a DA with council (most industrial zones permit warehouses with consent), plus Construction Certificate and possibly a Section 68 Local Government Act 1993 approval for sewer and water. Environmental approvals may be needed if the warehouse stores hazardous materials or generates significant waste.
Can I add a warehouse to an existing industrial site?
Yes — additional warehouses or extensions to existing industrial buildings usually follow a standard DA pathway. If the addition exceeds 20% of existing floor area, it may trigger requirements for traffic studies, stormwater management upgrades, and updated environmental reports.
What fire safety rules apply to warehouses?
Warehouse fire design depends on storage category (general, high-hazard, aerosol, flammable) and sprinkler type required. A fire engineer coordinates with the hydraulic engineer to size pumps, tanks and pressure systems. Large warehouses may need compartmentation walls and smoke vents.
How long does industrial DA approval take?
Small warehouse (new or addition): 4–6 months DA. Medium industrial: 6–9 months. Large state-significant projects: 12+ months. Industrial projects often involve VPA negotiations, RMS road access approval, and utilities authority sign-off — these add time.
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