When everything is running perfectly, your customers will not even notice – that’s the way it should be. Visitors enjoy good lighting and a clean, tidy mall. Tenants can get on with their core business worry-free. This kind of smooth-operating shopping centre is built on proactive maintenance.
A comprehensive plan nips maintenance problems in the bud, before they become stressful and expensive emergencies. Below, we take a look at the essential maintenance tasks to keep your shopping centre thriving, covering everything from core building systems to landscaping and parking.
Electrical and Plumbing
Let's begin with the lights and pipes. These systems are the lifeblood of any shopping centre and must function perfectly, 100% of the time.
Lighting contributes to the overall atmosphere of the shopping centre, and also keeps walkways and parking areas safe. A functional plumbing system keeps the water flowing and prevents drips and leaks – think taps, bathrooms and sprinkler systems.
Electrical Maintenance Tasks
- HVAC Systems: Test regularly. Clean filters and check fluid levels to keep the air fresh and flowing. Regular cleans are cheaper than occasional breakdowns.
- Lighting: Keep the lighting consistent throughout the shopping centre. Have a ready supply of light bulbs, fluorescent tubes and LED units. Inspect for damaged lights or dim areas.
- Power Systems: This includes the main system but also backup systems. Core power is essential for the shopping centre, and also keeps tenant point-of-sale systems running.
- Security and Safety Systems: A regular schedule should be in place to make sure alarms and security systems work, and that the technical elements of safety systems function correctly – for example electronic doors should fail open in an emergency so people can get out.
Plumbing Maintenance Tasks
- Pipes and Taps: Inspect regularly to prevent water damage, leaks and flooding. Small unseen leaks lead to building damage over time.
- Bathrooms: Check sinks, toilets and fixtures to maintain hygiene and functionality. This is often the first thing customers complain about if it is poorly maintained.
- Water Fountains: Service water fountains and filters for fresh and reliable water supply.
Structural Maintenance and Infrastructure
A shopping centre has got to have strong bones. This means regular check-ups and proactive repairs to keep everything reliable. You want the roof to repel rain, the doors to keep opening, and shoppers to get where they need to go.
- Staff Areas: Don’t forget to maintain staff areas – these create a productive and welcoming work environment.
- Loading Docks: Regular inspections and maintenance support efficient loading and unloading.
- Waste Management: Rubbish and sanitary bins should be in good order, and damaged bins should be replaced quickly. This often relies on regular inspections, coupled with a clear system for customers to report issues.
- Lifts: Conduct regular inspections and timely repairs. Lift manufacturers and suppliers usually prescribe an inspection and maintenance programme, and it is essential to keep to this for warranty and safety reasons.
- Escalators: These are a high wear-and-tear piece of equipment. Regular inspection and maintenance prevents injury and expensive breakdowns.
Exterior Maintenance
The outside of a shopping centre acts as a billboard for visitors. First, second and third impressions count, so keeping the exterior tidy gives people more reasons to shop. If it looks like a mess, people could head elsewhere for their retail therapy.
Landscaping
- Gardens: Maintain lawns, hedges, flower beds and green areas.
- Pathways: Keep well-lit and free of debris and rubbish.
Building Exterior
- Windows and Surfaces: Clean windows and power wash surfaces for a pristine appearance.
- Walls: Fix peeling paint to prevent cracks, leaks and further damage.
- Signs: Keep signage clean and visible for clear communication.
- Graffiti: Remove immediately and apply protective coatings to make cleaning easier.
Safety and Compliance
When it comes to safety and compliance, cutting corners comes at a cost so you’re better off doing things right, every time. The wellbeing of visitors, tenants and staff should be the top priority.
- Fire Alarms: Regularly test and maintain for proper functionality.
- Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Perform routine checks and testing to make sure they are active and reliable.
- Sprinklers: Conduct scheduled inspections and testing so the water flows if it is needed in an emergency.
- Emergency Exits: Verify clear access and proper signage, keep the areas unobstructed and functional.
- Security Systems: Inspect window locks and door security for building safety. Repair or replace malfunctioning and damaged CCTV cameras.
Parking
The customer's journey often begins and ends in the parking area, and many people choose where they will shop based on the quality and accessibility of parking available. A bad parking experience can taint the whole shopping trip. A well-maintained car park isn't just about parking cars; it's about parking profits.
Pavement and Lines: Repair potholes and re-stripe lines for an organised parking area. This is a safety feature as well as aesthetic.
Safety and Traffic Control: Maintain speed bumps, gates and traffic-controlling elements for smooth traffic flow. If you charge for parking or enforce time limits, traffic control is an important part of the business system.
Signage: Parking terms and conditions should be clean and easy-to-read. Make sure emergency signage is always clear and visible.
Leave the Heavy Lifting to Us
Let First Response handle your shopping centre's maintenance needs. We offer tailored solutions to suit your business. We're committed to being a reliable partner in your success.
See our Shopping Centre Maintenance Page or contact us to discuss how we can help maintain your building.