Builders Appointed To Metroplex Industrial Project.

The $1 billion Metroplex at Westgate – which is one of Brisbane’s largest new industrial estates – was officially released to the market earlier this month (September), with agents Wright Property and CBRE already negotiating with a number of prospective purchasers in the automotive, mining and machinery industries.

Metroplex Management has teamed up with builders Hutchinson Builders, Spaceframe and Multispan Australia this week to deliver a complete design and construct solution for tenants in its first stage, which boasts 16.79 hectares which can be bought in one line or subdivided into lots from two to 16 hectares.

Metroplex Management spokesperson Peter Macgregor said the availability of a tailored design and build package would make Metroplex even more appealing to buyers.

“We have decided to partner with industry-leading local builders to make it as easy as possible for tenants to move on site and be ready for operation in early 2013,” he said.

“Having three builders on board means we can offer in-house design and estimates for projects of any size and scope within about three working days, followed by a quick construction timeframe as we already have approvals in place for work on site.

“We expect to commence civil works later this year, with the connection of power, gas water and high-speed internet services completed well ahead of our first tenants moving on site.”

Wright Property Group director Glen Wright said it was no surprise the majority of interest in the development to date had come from transport and logistics groups,  looking for large, accessible lots with the potential for immediate civil construction.

“Most of the prospective buyers we are working with have been watching the market and waiting for the release of new broad hectare sites in the western corridor, as there is a real shortage of large lot product in the region and right throughout Brisbane, which has led to pent-up demand,” he said.

“In fact, our recent research indicates that the take-up of industrial land in Brisbane will exceed 60 hectares in 2012, and with a total of just 140 hectares of industrial land available for purchase across the city over the next five years, the market will soon be undersupplied.

“Of the seven Brisbane industrial land estates included inour research, only two – Metroplex at Westgate and Redbank River Park – will offer five hectare-plus lots, so there really is limited opportunity for purchasers looking for larger sites.

“The other major drawcard is the fact that Metroplex is bordered by the Ipswich Highway and Centenary Motorway, and is within proximity to Legacy Way, making Brisbane Airport accessible within 35 minutes, while Toowoomba is just a 90-minute drive away.

“This location makes the development attractive to a range of purchasers, but particularly those involved in the resources and logistics sector, servicing companies in regions like Toowoomba, Ipswich and the Surat Basin.”

CBREDirector Peter Turnbull said Metroplex ticked all the boxes for tenants looking at establishing themselves in the western corridor in the medium to long term.

“There really is no other industrial estate and business park of this calibre being delivered in the western corridor region,” he said.

“The site is level, and flood-free and will ultimately be part of an integrated business park which will boast a central precinct comprising facilities like office space, childcare, fitness clubs, a medical centre and pharmacy, supermarket and a civic square for gatherings and performances.

“Metroplex at Westgate will also set a new standard for sustainable industrial development, with parks, 15 hectares of protected environmental land and all buildings designed to achieve a high energy efficiency rating.”