Metroplex Westgate Secures Three, New Major Tenants.

The building products manufacturer ARDEX Australia, the pallet pooling provider Loscam and fuel retailer Puma Energy have signed agreements to move into the first stage of the $350 million Wacol-based development, Metroplex South, where subdivision works are now underway.

Loscam, which operates in 11 countries in the Asia Pacific, has secured the largest land parcel at Metroplex South at 2.3 hectares.

ARDEX has secured a 1.1-hectare lot, while Puma Energy will occupy a 1.37–hectare corner site fronting Boundary Road which is currently being upgraded to allow up to 18,000 vehicle movements per day.

Overall, once complete Metroplex Westgate will include up to 250,000sqm  of industrial space and 50,000sqm of commercial and retail floorpsace.

The latest deals follow Volvo Group’s recent announcement that it will open its new Australian headquarters and dealership at Metroplex Westgate.

Metroplex Westgate is a joint venture between The GPT Group and local developer Metroplex and is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield and Jones Lang LaSalle.

GPT’s Head of Office and Logistics Matthew Faddy said Metroplex Westgate would consolidate Wacol’s position as South East Queensland’s key centre for manufacturing and logistics.

“Metroplex Westgate’s close proximity to the Ipswich, Logan and Centenary Motorways and the availability of large-scale industrial lots on the site make it one of Brisbane’s best located business park and logistics hubs,” said Mr Faddy.

“We expect this development will be a major catalyst in attracting more businesses and jobs to Brisbane’s western corridor.”

Cushman & Wakefield agent Corey Bott said the increased level of activity on site had sparked the recent rush of sales and enquiries, leaving limited opportunities remaining in the first stage.

“New roads are being created and the first development site in the Metroplex South precinct has been created, so prospective purchasers are starting to see how highly connected and accessible the site is,” said Mr Bott.

“The new road network being created for Metroplex Westgate is significant because in the coming weeks a new bridge and connection road will be completed to make Boundary Road a thoroughfare from Durack through to Carole Park, with connectivity to the motorway.

“This means businesses based at Metroplex Westgate will have a direct route to travel 20 minutes to Brisbane or Ipswich CBD, or 35 minutes to Brisbane Airport or Port of Brisbane.

“Other businesses and residents in Wacol and surrounds will also benefit from improved access – it’s a project that is advantageous for the whole community.

“On the back of these recent sales, we still have smaller lots remaining in Metroplex South ranging from approximately 3,000sqm to 1.7 hectares, with options to subdivide or amalgamate depending on purchaser requirements.”

JLL agent Gary Hyland said Metroplex Westgate’s integrated masterplan had helped recent deals across the line.

“Businesses recognise they are buying into a fully integrated industry and business park, including a 6,000sqm retail and commercial precinct and 17 hectares of green space,  which are real points of difference,” he said.

“The masterplan also maximises the 90–hectare footprint of the site to the end users’ advantage and has the ability to cater for a wide range of buildings from 1,500sqm up to 50,000sqm.  Carrying on from Metroplex at Gateway, the estate will deliver a first-class fully integrated business park for industrial, commercial and retail users.

“It’s expected that Volvo will open its new headquarters and dealership in 2017, and we anticipate that our newer occupants – Ardex, Loscam and Puma, will all open early in 2017.”