Up Property’s adaptive all-electric transformation of a 1950s industrial factory at Moorabbin, 25 km southeast of Melbourne, has attracted a swathe of sustainability-focused tenants.
The revamped building to modern office space and retail hub with claims of net zero carbon building operations and leading environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) standards.
Marcus Jankie, general manager for the developer, said the chance to repurpose the 60-year-old building that was at the heart of the suburb’s traditional industrial past was an opportunity too good to pass.
“Numerous other developers looked at the site to demolish, sub-divide and create new industrial or residential parcels, but we understood the local demographic and the transformation that was occurring,” Jankie said.
“With more large industrial operators moving offshore, industries were being replaced by small businesses – coupled together with a growth in residential and more younger families moving in on all sides of the wider Moorabbin industrial zone.
“With these factors in mind, the project quickly turned to master planning a mixed-use precinct that would support commerce and culture on weekdays and weekends.”
The complex has now attracted high-profile tenants such as New Balance and Funlab that Jankie said have significant sustainability goals
Some key sustainability outcomes in the complex include:
- all-electric design to support net zero carbon building operations target
- five-star NABERS specification target
- energy-efficient, independently controlled Variable Refrigerant Volume mechanical services
- rooftop solar photovoltaic system
- six electric vehicle chargers
- end-of-trip facilities to encourage local commuting
- adaptive reuse of existing building
- materials used for construction with reduced environmental impact
- rainwater harvesting system
- centralised energy-efficient hot water system for common areas
Jankie said the former industrial hub was now “a vibrant oasis with future-forward workplaces and dynamic community resources, in line with community, social and environmental expectations for the future.”
Tenants already signed up to the precinct include global footwear and apparel brand New Balance, which will be relocating its Australian headquarters, with 1500 sq m of space, mainly on the first level.
Others understood to be interested include global automotive digital solutions provider Info Media, logistics company EFM Logistics, environmental-focused beauty product manufacturer Hunter Amenities, floral delivery business LVLY, “anti-fast fashion” brand Dakota 501, and livestock monitoring supplier Smart Paddock.
Dean Howard, New Balance Australia’s general manager Dean Howard said the ESG profile of the property was an attraction.
“Morris Moor has a comprehensive list of initiatives in place [that] align well to our overall goals as a business.”
Another tenant will be entertainment specialist Funlab, which will open later this year, bringing its signature Holey Moley, Archie Brothers and a brand-new virtual reality concept to the complex.
“Funlab is always looking for ways to offer competitive socialising options to Australians, and Morris Moor is a fantastic location to bring this dream to life,” said Sam Milionis, Funlab’s chief development officer. “
Other plans for the complex includes 12,500 sq m for a brewery, restaurant, and beer hall.
Architect Gaston Nogues, an associate from Clarke Hopkins Clarke there were some particular challenges with the project.
“One of the challenges working within an operating precinct is designing elements of the building that need to connect to other parts of the building that are currently under operation.
He said one feature was the large windows on the perimeter of the building, but with not much light penetrating internally, so a series of skylights were added to bring natural light deep into the floor plan.
“The building has a floorplate of 14,000 sqm, so we also had to lift 15 per cent of the roof to provide more natural light,” Jankie added.
“We built a 180 sq m internal courtyard to provide a green sanctuary and somewhere to retreat within the building, and level 1 will have huge six-metre-tall ceilings, which is amazing for natural ventilation, airflow and light transference.”
Project builder Kapitol said the complex will have a specific waste management plan, allowing the team to identify waste streams and optimise recycling.
“Through working closely with our waste contractor, we are able to ensure the site has appropriate facilities for relevant waste categories like steel and concrete,” said Kapitol Group’s director and co-founder, Andrew Deveson.
“For example, we had 20 expired fire extinguishers which our waste contractor could disassemble and recycle components of.”