74 - 76 Hargrave Avenue
UPDATE: 6 AUGUST 2026, 4pm - Project update
OVERVIEW
We’re preparing for an exciting new chapter at Essendon Fields.
As part of the approved Master Plan, we’re building new facilities at 74–76 Hargrave Avenue (Building 77) that complement our historic terminal.
Why This Change?
Building 77 was originally constructed in the early 1960s, as a functional addition to the adjoining Essendon Airport terminal building (then Melbourne’s International Airport). For several years it was used as a workshop and freight handling facility, before commercial airline operations moved to Melbourne’s “new” airport in Tullamarine.
In more recent years Building 77 was used by the Leidos Aviation Search and Rescue team, while Essendon Fields developed them a purpose-built new space in the main terminal.
While the main terminal underwent a multi-million-dollar heritage refurbishment commencing in 2018, Building 77 no longer met today’s safety and accessibility standards. It’s being replaced with new community facilities that complement the heritage of the neighbouring terminal while meeting modern building requirements.
What’s coming?
A new co-located health and wellbeing destination is underway at 74–76 Hargrave Avenue, bringing together Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) and Elite Training and Sports Medicine on a 4,054sqm site at Essendon Fields.
The development will deliver purpose-built spaces for both operators, expanding access to specialist veterinary care, fitness, recovery and allied health services for Melbourne’s north-west.
ARH will expand into a new 1,450sqm specialist and emergency veterinary hospital. During construction, its existing hospital in the main terminal remains open 24/7.
Elite Training and Sports Medicine will create a new presence at Essendon Fields with a 2,200sqm HQ offering gym, recovery, rehabilitation, group fitness and allied health services.
Click to image enlarge
PROJECT WORKS
You may notice more activity on site, including increased noise and dust during construction. We’ve put measures in place to keep everyone safe and minimize disruption for businesses, pilots, passengers, and the community.
Pedestrian and road safety
To ensure the safety of road users during the project works, traffic conditions around the project site will be adjusted. Road access may need to be temporarily altered. If this is required, traffic management will be in place and advance notice will be provided.
To ensure pedestrian safety, the footpath in front of the site will be closed, with diversions clearly signposted to ensure safe street crossing (refer to plan).
Terminal baggage claim
The terminal baggage collection area located between the main terminal and Building 77 may be inaccessible during key stages of these works. Temporary baggage collection arrangements will be put in place as required in consultation with airline operators, with changes clearly communicated to affected passengers.
We’ll keep all stakeholders updated on any changes and provide clear contact details for enquiries.
We thank you for your patience whilst we undertake these works and look forward to announcing further details on the new exciting development taking shape in 2026.
WORKS UPDATE | 24 AUGUST 2026
To facilitate construction works at 74–76 Hargrave Avenue, vehicle access to the Terminal Drop Off Zone, located under the porte-cochere at 72 Hargrave Avenue, will be temporarily closed in the coming weeks.
Pedestrian access to the terminal, baggage claim and all on-site businesses will remain unaffected, with directional signage in place to guide vehicles.
Please use alternative nearby parking on Hargrave Avenue while the Drop Off Zone is unavailable. Thank you for your understanding.
TIMING
Construction works are expected to finish in Q2 2027.
LOCATION
The work will take place landside at 74-76 Hargrave Avenue, Essendon Fields (refer to plan above).
SITE ACCESS
Traffic access around the site will be adjusted during construction. The footpath directly in front of the site on English Street and Hargrave Avenue will be closed, with temporary pedestrian diversions clearly signposted (refer to plan). A new pedestrian crossing on Hargrave Ave will also be delivered as part of the works.
SITE WORKING HOURS
Weekdays 7am - 5pm
Saturday 7am - 3pm
MANAGING CONSTRUCTION
All projects undertaken at Essendon Fields are undertaken with strict safety and compliance measures, under a detailed Construction Environment Management Plan approved by the Airport Environment Officer, and include plans for:
- public safety, amenity and site security
- operating hours
- noise and vibration controls
- air and dust management
- stormwater and sediment control
- waste and materials reuse
- traffic management (if required), and;
- any conditions of the Planning Permit that applies to the development.
Given the age of the existing building, demolition of Building 77 is being carefully managed to safely handle and remove any asbestos-containing materials (ACM), which are very common in buildings and structures built before the mid to late 1980s.
ACM removal works on Building 77 are being carried out in accordance with regulatory standards and strict procedures. You may notice specialist demolition staff wearing PPE equipment working on site to ensure the safety of contractors, and all work is being carried out within an exclusion zone to ensure there is no risk to surrounding businesses or passersby.
On Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th June 2026, an extended exclusion zone will be in place along the northern wall of the main terminal building, extending under the porte-cochere. This is a necessary step to safely remove any ACM-impacted material that may be present behind the building brickwork.
During these works, there will be some noise associated with the removal of bricks on the terminal side of the building. Dust suppression measures will be in place throughout the works and air monitoring will be undertaken as an added precaution. We apologise for any temporary disruption and appreciate your patience while this work is completed safely.
Access to the exclusion area, including the terminal baggage claim facilities, will be temporarily restricted and clearly marked with asbestos hazard tape and bollards. Vehicle access to the under cover drop off zone will remain unaffected.
Upon completion, a clearance certificate will be issued to allow the area to be reopened.
The main terminal building will remain open throughout the works. Alternative pedestrian access and baggage collection arrangements will be in place where required. All diversions and pedestrian access routes will be clearly marked, and any affected passengers will be advised of changes to baggage collection arrangements.
Contact Us
DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS
ARTIST’S IMPRESSION: New Gym and Animal Hospital
ARTIST’S IMPRESSION: New Gym and Animal Hospital
ARTIST’S IMPRESSION: New Gym and Animal Hospital
CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
EXPLORE ESSENDON FIELDS
MELBOURNE'S PLACE FOR BUSINESS
INTERACTIVE TOUR
There are over 200 active businesses including Linfox, Armaguard, Australia Post, Wilson Security and Visy that have chosen Essendon Fields as their home.
HERITAGE
The vibrant commercial hub of Essendon Fields has hosted aviation activities since 1919. Steeped in history, many of our leasing opportunities exist within heritage buildings.
GREEN SPACES
We’re committed to protecting our local environment and focus heavily on creating pocket parks, walking trails and green spaces for our local community to enjoy.