Maximise, the Melbourne-based independent light industrial developer has received confirmation of permit from the Wyndham City Council to build MODE Business Park West - 180 mixed-use, light industrial units at 211 Leakes Road.

Situated on the corner of Leakes and Palmers Road, the development is well positioned to capitalise on one of Melbourne's fastest growing regions.

These units, ranging from 212m2 to 685m2 are suitable for an array of uses including warehouse, office, restricted retail, and food and beverage outlets, said Maximise. 

MODE West has been designed with indigenous inspiration from the late Truganini, a prominent Indigenous figure. Truganina is regarded as the last full-blood Tasmanian Aboriginal, renown for her courage and resilience in the face of adversity, after which the suburb has been named.

The site’s connection with history provides an avenue to explore important themes in indigenous culture, art, well-being, and shelter; driving design, and providing a platform to bring MODE Business Park West to life, with a sense of place and meaning.

Environmentally sustainable design features have been incorporated in the design, including 78kW Solar PV installed across the site, striking screening against western sunlight, supplementary cementitious materials (SCM’s), and over 320 trees including Australian native Apple Myrtle, Yellow box, and Brush box, said Maximise Managing Director, Claudio Romano.

The principals at Maximise have extensive and broad-based experience in Australian real estate property development, construction, and investment, enabling Maximise to identify and acquire property development projects. “This latest project aims to meet the demand for smaller scale, affordable, light- industrial spaces in Melbourne’s fast-growing West” says Managing Director, Claudio Romano.

Maximise said, MODE West has seen strong interest from local buyers thus far, with Westo Real Estate, the exclusive selling agent.

The average vacancy rate stands at a record low of 1.1% (as at 1H22). CBRE figures for Melbourne Industrial and Logistics 3Q22 report states “the concentration of leasing activity occurred within the West precinct over the quarter, accounting for 53% of floorspace take-up. Mainly due to the locational attribute of the Precinct, accessibility to major arterials and road transport links, as well as accounting for the largest stake of total industrial stock in the Melbourne market.” Advised Mr Romano.

Furthermore, “the Transport, Postal and Warehousing sector accounted for the majority of take-up in 3Q22 (70%), followed by Manufacturing (15%) and Retail Trade (13%).

Mr Romano further commented, According to the Cushman and Wakefield Melbourne MarketBeat Industrial Q3, 2022 report, average prime net face rents in the West in particular, have increased over 20% year on year (YoY) for buildings under 8,000m2.

Sign up here to receive INDUSTRIALIST newsletters and breaking news sent straight to your inbox.