MAB wins long battle to develop tip buffer site
On its first attempt with the planning minister, MAB Corporation has won a long battle to develop a prime infill site near Melbourne Airport.
The developer bought the 41 hectare Westmeadows holding in 2019.
For decades classified “buffer land” for a toxic waste tip to the west which closed in 2008, the seller, Cleanaway, sought several times since to have it rezoned for development.
All industrial focused, one proposal would have included residential.
On all occasions, the City of Hume rejected citing, amongst other things, the groundwater being contaminated to a depth of 15-25 metres.
Change of plan, decision maker
MAB instead in 2022 approached planning minister Sonya Kilkenny with an industrial scheme.
Affecting nearly 30ha, it would contain 40 lots, a mega-parcel for a data centre and road infrastructure (artist’s impression of completed estate, top).
The group would also establish a 3.27ha buffer between the proposed estate, Moonee Ponds Creek and Westmeadows homes.
Covering 140-204 Western Avenue, also facing Wright Street, the groundwater issue doesn’t prevent development, according to the minister. There is also no longer a tip to buffer, it was pointed out.
Approved late last year and recently formalised, blocks in the estate were this month listed for sale.
Branded Haystone, CBRE’s Daniel Eramo with Savills’ Mario Moscon are the agents (story continues below).
Westmeadows, between Melbourne Airport – often classified as Tullamarine – and Broadmeadows, is 16 kilometres north west of Melbourne’s CBD.
Supersize lots
The biggest Haystone block available for sale will spread three hectares.
The smallest is 1300 sqm.
The Wright St parcels are earmarked for a future release.
“With a total 3.3pc of freehold industrial land undeveloped within the Tullamarine precinct, we anticipate a strong level of interest,” according to Mr Eramo.
Mr Mocso added “unlocking industrial land in Melbourne’s north, especially in Tullamarine, has become increasingly difficult” with less than 2.8pc of Industial zoned land under a hectare undeveloped in the suburb and Westmeadows.
“The forthcoming land release…is likely the last opportunity, promising long-term value appreciation due to these fundamentals,” he said.
Meanwhile across town in Clayton, MaxCap and Troon Group recently unveiled plans to develop a $200m industrial park on an ex-tip spreading 10.5ha over three streets.
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