Benjamin Millar
Japanese tool giant Makita is just one of the major companies to secure a site at the new Melbourne Business Park in Truganina, set to become one of the largest logistics precincts in Victoria.
Stockland and joint venture partner Mt Atkinson Holdings are launching the first 95-hectare stage of the 260-hectare logistics precinct, eventually expected to include about one million square metres of warehouse space – the equivalent of 50 Melbourne Cricket Grounds.
Stockland workplace and logistics general manager Tony D’Addona said there is already strong interest from businesses seizing on the opportunity to establish their industrial footprint in Melbourne’s western growth corridor.
He said that 21 businesses and investors have now committed to purchase lots, attracted to the $2 billion precinct’s strategic location on Hopkins Road and proximity to significant planned future infrastructure.
“Makita, the Japanese tool giant, will base its primary Victorian distribution and service centres at Melbourne Business Park, anchoring the site with a six-hectare land acquisition and plans to initially employ approximately 70 people,” he said.
“Melbourne Business Park will provide employment to thousands of Victorians and, with early works now started, the project will be a significant contributor to Victoria’s employment and economic growth as we recover from COVID-19.”
Makita Australia director Nick Poulos said the company has chosen Melbourne Business Park to position its Australian business for further growth.
“Our investment alongside Stockland demonstrates our confidence in Melbourne’s western corridor to provide superior connectivity to the port and our customers,” he said.
Makita will be joined at the logistics hub by other businesses associated with the construction and development sector including Ashi Hire, Califam, Pelligra, Winslow and Universal.
Melbourne Business Park is positioned to integrate with Stockland’s nearby masterplanned Mt Atkinson community.
Stockland group executive Louise Mason said the developer has invested in strategic locations to ensure that there is industrial property available close to large urban populations.
“This development forms a part of our overall portfolio strategy, a key project in our $5.9 billion development pipeline,” she said.
The area is flagged for significant freight and logistics infrastructure investment and is close to the planned future Outer Metropolitan Ring Road (OMR) and Western Interstate Freight Terminal (WIFT).
