Essendon Fields has officially opened the Hart Precinct, a 30-hectare site dedicated to aviation, commercial and light industrial development, marking a significant milestone in the area’s ongoing transformation. The precinct pays tribute to one of Essendon Fields’ early aviation pioneers, James “Bob” Hart, while embracing the future with cutting-edge businesses that exemplify innovation and enterprise.

The precinct was officially opened by State Member for Pascoe Vale, Anthony Cianflone, and Mayor of Moonee Valley, Ava Adams, among other dignitaries.

The Hart Precinct is already home to a dynamic group of businesses, each contributing to the site’s status as a premier destination for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and sustainable industry. Current tenants include:

• Modscape – Australia’s largest and most innovative pre-fab builder, exporting modular projects across the country and internationally, from housing in Cairns to schools and police stations in NSW. Modscape’s expansion follows recent industry developments in prefab financing, ensuring continued growth.
• Dutton Wholesale – The nation’s largest wholesaler of pre-owned prestige and luxury vehicles, utilising their new facility to service an extensive dealer network across Australia.
• Autex – Currently under construction, this facility will develop and manufacture industry-leading architectural and sustainable acoustic products for the building sector across 18 export markets.
• Elenium – A global leader in self-service check-in kiosks for airlines and airports, and one of the first occupiers in the Hart Precinct.
• Leonardo – The global aerospace company providing maintenance and engineering services for Leonardo helicopters, including those used by the emergency services air wings based at Essendon Fields Airport.

Melbourne is currently facing a critical shortage of greenfield industrial land close to the CBD, making the launch of the Hart Precinct even more significant. Unlike other developments that require rezoning and long approval processes, this land is already serviced and ready for immediate development, providing a rare and valuable opportunity for businesses seeking high-quality industrial and commercial space near transport links and a skilled workforce.

The launch of the Hart Precinct is part of the broader 2013 Essendon Fields Airport Master Plan, which identified the eastern zone of Essendon Fields for commercial and industrial expansion. Since 2016, the precinct has welcomed two new hangars, manufacturing facilities, and an influx of new tenants, helping to alleviate the growing demand for centrally located industrial and commercial facilities.

“As the Hart Precinct continues to grow, we remain committed to engaging with the local community and managing development with minimal impact. We extend our gratitude to our neighbours for their patience and collaboration throughout this process,” said Brendan Pihan, CEO of Essendon Fields.

The opening of the Hart Precinct was celebrated by customers, local neighbours, government and friends on a perfect 27 degree Melbourne day. Highlights included a powerful Welcome to Country and mesmerising Didgeridoo performance from Uncle Russell Smith, LaManna’s famed Bolognese Arancini and Cacio e Pepe Suppli, activations from Dutton One Essendon Fields and the Aviation Museum, as well as free showbags for the first 250 attendees packed full of vouchers and freebies from Essendon Fields based businesses – which were snapped up in the first 45minutes.

Looking ahead, Essendon Fields is focusing on enhancing the precinct’s public realm, with a community survey now open to gather feedback on potential additions such as parks, running tracks, cafes, and improved road and public transport links.

“We want to hear from all stakeholders—whether it’s better connectivity for locals to reach LaManna or new recreation areas —this precinct is not just for businesses, but for the entire community.”

The precinct has already secured 50% of its leasing commitments for Stage 1, with 64,000 square meters of development ready land remaining on sites ranging from 3,500 square metres up to 35,000 square metres.

Leasing partners Colliers and CBRE remain instrumental in connecting businesses with high-quality workplaces at Essendon Fields, and Nick O’Brien, National Director Industrial and Logistics at Colliers highlighted the appetite for businesses to capitalise on the unique location.

“We have already received significant interest from occupiers who recognise Essendon Fields as one of the most strategic and well-located land estates across Melbourne’s industrial market,” said Mr O’Brien.

The opening of the Hart Precinct underscores Essendon Fields’ long-term vision to create a thriving, multi-use commercial and aviation hub, balancing industry, community, and sustainability for future generations.