PHARMACY FITOUT, REDESIGN OR RELOCATION: WHERE TO START AND WHAT TO KNOW

If you’re planning a new pharmacy setup, a full pharmacy redesign, or relocating your current pharmacy, you’re probably asking:
“Where do I even begin?”

Whether you’re in Victoria, Queensland, or beyond, it’s not just about aesthetics – it’s about regulatory compliance, workflow, and setting yourself up for long-term success. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the key stages, including critical state-specific considerations.

Step 1: Engage an Experienced Pharmacy Designer

Your first step should always be to engage a designer – ideally one with lived pharmacy experience and a strong grasp of the regulations that apply in your state.

Regardless of who you choose, ensure your designer knows the state-specific requirements for community pharmacy premises. These are non-negotiable and can delay your project if overlooked.

At Fusion Health Space, we combine our deep understanding of regulatory frameworks across all Australian states and territories with the real-world insight of our practising pharmacists and the expertise of our specialist pharmacy designers – creating spaces that meet the compliance standards, while also supporting workflow efficiency, patient engagement and business growth.

Step 2: Collaborate on a Compliant Floorplan

Next, you’ll work with your designer to create an initial floor plan – but not just any floor plan. It must reflect the operational needs of your pharmacy, support efficient workflows, enable quality patient experiences and without exception it must comply with the regulatory standards of your state or territory.

For example:

• The Pharmacy Council of Victoria stipulates that only dispensary staff may enter the dispensary. This means layouts where the staff room is accessed through the dispensary are non-compliant.
• The Pharmacy Registration Board of Western Australia requires, “at a minimum, dedicated prescription reception and counselling points fitted with privacy screens at least 800 mm apart and rising not less than 600 mm above the bench or that are otherwise arranged or located to provide privacy.”

These are just two examples of regulatory requirements. Each state has its own set of nuanced guidelines around access, storage, security, privacy and required layout elements.

This is why an experienced, regulation-savvy designer is critical. They’ll help you navigate the grey areas before they become costly issues.

Step 3: Apply to the Australian Community Pharmacy Authority (ACPA) (if applicable)

If your project involves:

• A new pharmacy site
• A relocation, or
• A floor area extension or contraction

and you wish to supply PBS medicines from the site, then you must submit a formal application to the ACPA.

This includes:

• Compliant, correctly marked plans
• A proposed timeframe for the works
• A copy of your lease
• Plus other supporting documentation

This step is often where pharmacy owners hit hurdles. Plans must be drawn to specific standards, and even minor omissions or unclear details can result in delays or rejection of your submission. Also be aware that this step can be a rate-limiting one: depending on when your application is submitted to the ACPA compared to their next meeting date, approval can take anywhere from 5 to 11 weeks.

TIP: Engage a shopfitter early – not only will you need their proposed build timeline for your ACPA application, but you’ll also need them on standby for when approvals are complete. Remember, construction can commence after you’ve received ACPA and state approvals, and once your full Construction Set is finalised. With only 6 months to complete your works after ACPA approval, good timing and coordination are critical.

If you’re only doing internal refits with no change to the pharmacy’s footprint or location, you may not need to go through the ACPA.

Note: Many pharmacy owners engage a lawyer or solicitor for this step to ensure all elements of the ACPA application are accurate and complete.

Step 4: Apply to Your State Pharmacy Authority

After receiving ACPA approval, you’ll need to apply to your state or territory’s pharmacy regulatory body.

Each board has its own application process and plan requirements. Some examples:

• South Australia: Requires the exact location of your shredder bins to be marked on the plans.
• Tasmania and Victoria: Require clear details of stock unpacking zones.

Again, these are just the tip of the iceberg. Many state boards have very specific layout, access, and equipment placement requirements that must be addressed on your submitted plans.

Approval timelines also vary. Some states assess applications at scheduled meetings, while others process them on a rolling basis. Understanding your state’s review cycle helps you set a realistic project timeline.

Step 5: Finalise the Construction Set

With approvals in hand, you’re ready to work closely with your designer (hopefully us!) to produce your Construction Set – a comprehensive design package that goes far beyond floor plans.

This detailed document includes:

• Bench heights, shelving layouts, drawer configurations
• Electrical plans and lighting placement
• Fixtures, finishes, and fittings
• Practical detailing to guide your shopfitter from start to finish

These documents are often 30+ pages and form the foundation of your successful pharmacy fitout. It is this construction set which your shopfitter will need for your project to start to take physical shape and come to life.

Ready to Start?

Whether you’re rethinking your pharmacy layout, planning a relocation, or starting fresh with a brand new pharmacy, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

At Fusion Health Space, we specialise in purpose-driven pharmacy design that meets state regulations, enhances operational excellence and delivers exceptional patient experiences – all which help grow your business.

Got questions? We’re always happy to chat.