End-to-end construction service helps new businesses cut through the red tape | Region Canberra

Katrina Condie • December 13, 2023

Construction for New Businesses

Copyright © 2025 Region Group Pty Ltd

Setting up a new office, eatery or retail outlet in Canberra can be expensive, time-consuming and downright stressful. But there’s one building company that can take care of everything, from go to whoa.

Moltus Construction director Mayukah Senanayake has been fitting out shops and offices all over the Territory for the past decade, and he knows all the tricks to ensure regulations are upheld and work is carried out to budget and on time.

“The biggest challenge for people are the hidden approvals and dealing with the regulatory bodies that govern things like health approvals and liquor licences,” he said.

“When it comes to the construction and fit-out, you have to consider things like mechanical engineer certifications, signage and development application approvals.”



Mayukah can look after everything from planning and design to dealing directly with executive committees and landlords, offering a one-stop project management service.

“There are a lot of hurdles when setting up a shop that can end up costing time and money,” he said.

After working with many big companies, such as Westfield, Canberra Airport and Belconnen Markets, Mayukah has an in-depth understanding of their building design briefs and exactly what is required of new tenants.

“I’ve seen business owners come in with great designs, but they’ve been knocked back by the landlord, so they have to start from scratch.


A Hair Salon With Tables and Chairs and a Round Mirror — Moltus Construction in Braddon, ACT

“We’ve been doing this for years now, so we know exactly what landlords want and what can and can’t be done in their centres. We can design fit-outs to fit their criteria.”

Mayukah said new businesses and franchisees, as well as existing businesses making the move to a new building, faced a mountain of paperwork and hidden approvals, including “big ticket items” such as fire services.

“With each job, we go through the process with the client starting with mood boards, then reviewing the site to see what services are there,” he said.

“Often we find there’s no provisions for plumbing, fire services and electricals, which can be 20 to 30 per cent of the fit-out cost.

“These roadblocks can be avoided by using Moltus Construction because we take a holistic approach to each project. You won’t get that end-to-end service from a general shop fitter.”


As well as retail outlets, cafes, restaurants and offices, the Moltus team can fit out or refurbish medical and professional practices, childcare centres and salons, from pre-design to the final shiny new signage.

“We work with the client from the start and we don’t leave until they are happy with the result,” Mayukah said.

“It’s a team effort and we go on their exciting journey with them. We’re transparent when it comes to budget and delivery.

“We work with quality suppliers so the client doesn’t have to worry about ordering things like light fittings, kitchen appliances. We can even arrange quotes for furniture and have it delivered.

“Our inclusive project management approach goes above and beyond the job itself.”

Mayukah and his team are currently fitting out five new outlets in the Belconnen Markets and shops at Westfield Belconnen and Woden.

Moltus Construction provides a stress-free solution for clients that want a one-stop shop for their projects, which includes interior and exterior design, project management and delivery from start to finish.


A Large Room With a Lot of Windows and a Display Case — Moltus Construction in Braddon,  ACT
By Morgan Kenyon August 28, 2024
There are many different priorities to factor in when to comes to budgeting for a commercial fit out. With design, management, construction, furniture and more to consider, there’s a lot to think over, but every element is important.
A Group of People Are Standing Around a Table in an Office — Moltus Construction in Braddon,  ACT
By Dione David May 15, 2024
COVID undeniably changed the way we work, but while commercial landlords and employers are realising this is one genie they can’t cram back into the bottle, a better office space goes a long way towards luring employees back to the workplace.
There is a Table in the Middle of the Room With a Plant on It — Moltus Construction in Braddon, ACT
By Dione David April 6, 2024
With good bones and an “unorthodox approach”, construction has commenced on the new home of compassionate, affordable and meaningful funeral services in Canberra.
A Man With a Beard is Standing in Front of a Brick Wall — Moltus Construction in Braddon,  ACT
By Dione David November 8, 2023
It seems all the headlines paint a picture of a construction industry in trouble – but there are major success stories as well, and some are happening right here in Canberra.