Essendon Fields marked a major milestone today, breaking ground on two new developments in our 30-hectare light industrial precinct. The projects include a purpose built 20,000 square metre manufacturing facility for Modscape, and a speculatively built 5,500 square metre warehouse that will shortly be released to market.

Following the market release of the development land late last year – the only greenfield industrial precinct within 15 minutes of Melbourne CBD – this occasion marks another significant milestone in the development of Essendon Fields. The two new projects, along with associated infrastructure works, will be completed in early 2024.

Modscape’s relocation from its current site in Brooklyn to its new purpose-built manufacturing facility will allow the company to significantly increase its current manufacturing capacity of prefabricated building modules – which are 90% complete in the factory before being transported to the building site for installation. By moving the bulk of the construction process into a controlled and undercover factory environment, the company provides an efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional building methods for commercial and residential projects. The new facility will cover almost 40,000 square metres of site area, including 20,000 square metres undercover.

Modscape CEO Jan Gyrn noted, “The move will enable Modscape to triple its current manufacturing capacity and produce up to 2,000 modules per year. The new state of the art facility will be one of the largest offsite manufacturing facilities for modular construction in Australia, with close to 40,000 sqm of total space.”

Mr Gyrn also cited Essendon Fields’ direct access to the freeway network and close proximity to Melbourne Airport (6 minutes) and Melbourne CBD (15 minutes) as key factors, helping to ensure operational efficiency and the ability to attract and retain 60 staff.

“For 7 out of 10 staff the new facility will be closer to home. Additionally, Essendon Fields is conveniently located near the airport, making it an ideal location for Modscape, as approximately half of our clients are interstate” confirmed Mr Gyrn.

CEO of Essendon Fields, Brendan Pihan, welcomed the announcement, which is part of a wider Precinct target of creating 20,000 jobs onsite over the next 20 years, and confirms the unique attributes Essendon Fields has to attract and retain tenants across 305ha of aviation, office, retail, automotive and light industrial facilities.

“It is evident now, more than ever, that creating a work-life balance is crucial for every organisation”, said Mr Pihan.

“Essendon Fields provides numerous perks for precinct employees like discounted childcare, convenient low-cost parking, access to medical facilities, supermarkets, cafes as well as DFO, in an award-winning landscaped setting. By providing staff access to these diverse services, close to where they live, we hope to positively impact the way people work and the ability of businesses to attract employees”, Mr Pihan said.

“This new facility marks the continued growth of the light industrial precinct – which is already home to innovative aviation and tech companies like Leonardo Helicopters and Elenium Automation. This investment by Modscape and Essendon Fields’ is consistent with our Master Plan and meets Melbourne’s high demand for well-located commercial and industrial facilities. We’re thrilled to have been able to work with Modscape to design, build and lease their new facility, and can offer the same opportunity for businesses to secure a purpose-built or pre-lease opportunity at Essendon Fields” he said.

The Watson Young designed project is being delivered by builders FDC, with Project Management by TMX and Legacy Project Management.

In addition to the Modscape facility, Essendon Fields is investing in future developments for pre-lease; including a 5,500 square metre warehouse available for occupation early 2024, which will provide business accommodation for manufacturing, last mile logistics or other light industrial occupiers to join the 330-business strong community.

Please click here or contact Peter Funder on 0437 689 915 or pf@ef.com.au regarding leasing opportunities or further information on the Essendon Fields industrial precinct.