Essendon Fields announce Dutton Wholesale as the new tenant for the first speculative industrial development in the recently launched Hart Precinct. 

Dutton Wholesale, a division of Dutton Automotive, is Australia’s largest national wholesaler of  general pre-owned, prestige and luxury vehicles, and will use the facility to store and deliver cars to  its dealer network across the country. 

The flagship light industrial development at 1 Challenger Court holds a high-profile corner location and occupies a 9,879 sqm site – including a 5,134 sqm warehouse, 503 sqm office, hardstand area and onsite carparking. The Watson Young designed project was delivered by builders FDC  Construction, with project management by TMX Transform.  

Dutton Wholesale joins new occupiers Modscape in a recently completed 20,000 sqm facility in the  neighboring site, with another 10,600 sqm facility for Autex Acoustics underway. In total, Stage 1 of  the Hart Precinct covers more than 13 hectares, and is now over 50% leased.  

Essendon Fields CEO Brendan Pihan welcomed the decision by Dutton Wholesale to expand its  commitment at Essendon Fields. Dutton Automotive recently moved into a freeway-facing,  purpose-built showroom in the Essendon Fields Auto precinct with its Dutton One brand. 

“The transaction with Dutton Wholesale was completed prior to the building’s practical completion,  which highlights continuing demand for high quality industrial facilities at Essendon Fields,’’ he said. 

“We are excited about the prospects of the Hart Precinct. Essendon Fields offers the only large scale industrial greenfield site within 15 minutes of the CBD and the Port of Melbourne. Occupiers  seeking to upgrade or consolidate their property footprint into one centralised location are taking  advantage of our excellent connectivity and great surrounding amenity,’’ said Mr Pihan. 

Dutton Automotive said it was happy to expand its footprint at Essendon Fields, which is the ideal  position to serve Melbourne’s fast growing north-west suburbs, and given its proximity to Melbourne’s major freeway network, also the perfect distribution hub to service the rest of  Australia. 

“Our new Dutton Wholesale facility at Essendon Fields is perfectly located to meet the needs of our  various retail sites spread across Melbourne, along with our growing national dealership network.’’  said Matt Hanson, Chief Executive Officer of Dutton Automotive.

Dutton Automotive were represented in the leasing transaction by Tony Tripodi, Director at CBRE  Advisory & Transactions Services - Industrial & Logistics, and selected Essendon Fields following  a comprehensive review of various locations across the Victoria West and North markets. 

Final serviced lots for design, build and lease in Stage One of the Hart Precinct have recently been  released, which range from 3,800 sqm to 35,000 sqm. 

Related Reading

Essendon Fields welcomes Autex Acoustics as Stage One of the Hart Precinct quickly fills - CBRE | The Industrialist