Colliers announce the successful lease of 35-39  Freight Drive, Somerton, to ASX-listed Big River Group. This strategic move marks another milestone  in Big River's continued growth within Melbourne's thriving Northern industrial market. 

The 5,342 sqm modern industrial facility is situated in the Freight Drive Distribution Centre,  benefitting from a prime location in the well-established industrial suburb of Somerton. With  excellent connectivity to key transport routes such as Sydney Road (Hume Highway), the Craigieburn  Bypass, and the Western Ring Road, the site offers seamless access to Melbourne Airport, Port  Melbourne, and the city's northern, western, and central markets. 

Colliers' agents Mitch Purcell and Nick O'Brien worked closely with the landlord, national fund  manager and developer, Centennial, to finalise the deal. Centennial acquired the mid-space  distribution centre in early 2021. 

"It's always rewarding to see a high-quality asset matched with a tenant of Big River Group's calibre,"  said Mr Purcell, Colliers Associate Director | Industrial & Logistics. "With minimal downtime between  tenancies, the transaction reflects the strong demand for high-quality industrial space in  Melbourne's north." 

Big River Group began in the early 1900s as a family-owned timber business and has evolved into a major player in the Australian building materials market. The company's extensive range of timber,  hardware, and building supplies is critical to the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Their  new base in Somerton will further enhance their operations and service capabilities. 

Somerton continues to draw significant interest from businesses despite being one of the smaller  industrial precincts by building count in the north. Its proximity to key arterial roads and logistical  hubs ensures its ongoing appeal.  

This latest lease is part of a more significant trend, with 23 transactions exceeding 3,000 sqm  completed this year in the Northern Industrial market, totalling 205,000 sqm, and another 120,000  sqm under the agreement.

Colliers National Director | Industrial & Logistics, Nick O'Brien, said, "This transaction highlights both  the strength of Somerton as a logistics hub and the continued demand for industrial properties  across Melbourne's north." 

"As Big River Group settles into their new location, this deal reinforces the vibrancy of the Northern  Industrial market and the confidence businesses have in its potential." 

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