One of Australia’s largest private integrated property groups, Salta, continues to attract leading tenants to its bourgeoning Nexus Dandenong South Industrial Estate, signing Australian automotive giant, Walkinshaw Automotive Group, in a major pre-lease for Melbourne’s southeast region.

The world-class site, which is approximately 100,000sqm, is located at 820 Taylors Road, Dandenong South and includes custom-built warehousing, office space, hardstand and 700 on-grade carparks.

The partnership announcement and official commencement of construction for Walkinshaw’s new facility was marked with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday 11 July, which was attended by Greater Dandenong Lord Mayor, Cr Lana Formoso, executives from Salta and Walkinshaw, along with construction partner FDC and consultants from TMX, Watson Young and the project’s funding syndicate. 

Aunty Caroline and Paul Kelly were also in attendance, performing a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony to recognise the traditional landowners and welcome the delegation to the milestone event. 

Salta Managing Director Sam Tarascio said the business is very excited to be partnering with Walkinshaw to help the company achieve their growth ambitions.

“Salta has worked closely with Walkinshaw to design and deliver a state-of-the-art facility that is able to accommodate the high standards of its unique business needs,” said Mr Tarascio. 

“This agreement demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in the southeast’s industrial market, and it is yet another example of Salta’s proven track record of collaborating with our clients to create custom-made solutions in strategic locations,” said Mr Tarascio.

According to Walkinshaw Group Director, Ryan Walkinshaw, the prime location, coupled with Salta’s reputation and industrial expertise made Nexus the ideal match to accommodate Walkinshaw’s expansion needs – consolidating three of its existing sites into a new Australian headquarters at the Taylors Road site. 

“Local vehicle development and remanufacturing is booming, and with the growth in our automotive business that we have seen since 2018, we needed a modern facility to not only match the size of our growth but one that would be tailored to the various sectors of our business.

The expansive new site will cater to our manufacturing and office needs, and having these together in a purpose-built space will increase our efficiency and effectiveness,” said Mr Walkinshaw. 

Importantly, the site will be a huge step towards Walkinshaw Automotive Group’s carbon neutrality, with solar power to match the sites utility usage, waste initiatives and access to the commercial rail link.

Fully owned, managed and operated by Salta, the 180-hectare Nexus Dandenong South Industrial Estate is one of the most in-demand industrial precincts in Melbourne due to its proximity to the CBD, connectivity to the Port of Melbourne, as well as major commercial, retail and residential areas.

“The Nexus Dandenong South precinct was strategically acquired between 2006-12, with a long-term vision to service the growing warehousing and logistics demand in Melbourne’s southeast.

We’re pleased to be able to continue the expansion of this industrial estate with Walkinshaw, who will be joining other major brands including Bunnings, Martin Brower and large logistics businesses such as Mondiale VGL and Silk Contract Logistics,” added Mr Tarascio.