Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Beijer Ref and Sydney Freezers are strengthening their supply chain capabilities by building purpose-built new facilities at one of Australia’s most centrally located industrial precincts. MHD reports.
When MHD last caught up with the team behind Altitude – a new industrial precinct at Bankstown Airport in South West Sydney developed by Altis Property Partners – Kirby and Beijer Ref had just committed to a new 22,000 sqm facility at the new development.
Fast-forward eight months, and the leading refrigeration and air-conditioning specialist has moved into its new facility. The new building at Altitude consolidates Kirby & Beijer Ref’s manufacturing, distribution and corporate headquarters and is set to be a global showpiece for its operation.
Paul Campbell, Director of Operations at Kirby & Beijer Ref Australia says being a part of the complete development process at Altitude has allowed the organisation to accommodate all aspects of its business and maximise the technology and sustainability opportunities.
“As a key part of the Beijer Ref sustainability strategy, the site includes a Beijer Ref Academy that will showcase an array of natural refrigerant solutions and offer natural refrigerant systems technology training to the broader industry,” Paul says.
On the back of the Beijer Ref commitment, the team has leased a 13,000 sqm facility to Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and a 10,000 sqm facility to Sydney Freezers, with a further 19,000 sqm warehouse to be available for lease in September 2021.
Moshe Greengarten and Keegan Ridings from CBRE and Darren Curry and Nick Crothers from Savills are the appointed leasing agents on the 19,000 sqm facility that can be split into two 9,500 sqm warehouses. The warehouse that is currently under construction by Richard Crookes Construction will feature nine tonne point loads to the internal slabs, six recessed docks and seven on grade docks, with a 46m wide hardstand. The office will be completed to a high-end spec, to suit head office accommodation.
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, a German-based global logistics provider, will move into Altitude in June 2021 and will see the logistics giant consolidate two of its existing facilities at Ingleburn and Mascot.
According to Ray Vella, CEO at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, consolidating two of its facilities into one purpose-built site at Altitude will improve the organisation’s competitive advantage and further strengthen the service it can provide to its growing customer base in Australia.
Sydney Freezers, a leading food distributor, will take advantage of the central location to house its operations for the next 10 years. The facility, which is due for completion in August 2021, will benefit from the power available to the estate by including a 2,000 sqm temperature-controlled area suitable for storing frozen food.
Joseph Ajaka, Project Director at Altis Property Partners says with such major global and local organisations committing to the site, it reinforces Altitude’s position as a premium and well-located logistics hub.
“We’re thrilled to have such strong brands commit to Altitude at Bankstown Airport. By positioning themselves in the inner ring of Sydney, Hellmann, Beijer Ref and Sydney Freezers will benefit from enhanced supply chains, improved operational efficiencies, and ultimately providing a better service to their customers,” Joseph says.
Leading practice in ESG
With sustainability a major priority of the development, Altitude features a number of environmental and sustainability elements – including 1.9-megawatt solar system, rainwater harvesting, LED lighting and smart meters throughout.
“Together with its manufacturing and warehouse operations, the site also features 1,400 square metres of office space, conference and customer event facilities and a 260-square-metre flagship store,” Paul at Beijer Ref and Kirby says.
According to Tamara Williams, Director Environmental Social Governance (ESG) at Altis Property Partners, one of the organisation’s
key objectives is to be leading practice with regards to ESG. “At Altis, we embed ESG right through the organisation. Every person is responsible for championing sustainability and keeps this front of mind in every aspect of their roles,” she says.
Across the Bankstown Airport development, Altis Property Partners has embedded a network structure so solar power can be generated on site and shared across a number of different buildings.
“Solar is an important part of our development in industrial facilities, there is a lot of roof space and we want to use that to generate power and ultimately pass on cost-savings to our tenants,” Tamara says.
The development at Altitude will target a 5 Star Green Star rating and includes further sustainability initiatives such as efficient lighting, five
hectares of land for storm water and native plants throughout.
Tamara also emphasises the importance of connectivity and community. “Commercial buildings of the past had a tendency to ignore the importance of community. But at Altis, our focus is to make sure we generate and create a community that features ample amenities and great connectivity for workers to enjoy and utilise,” she says.
Furthermore, Tamara says that Altis is engaged in bringing tenants along its sustainability journey. “Tenants are the most important part of our business, so we engage with them and ensure that we deliver sustainable buildings, and that their operation can be as sustainable as possible,” she explains.
Prime position
On completion Altitude will comprise 162,000 sqm of best-in-class warehousing and office accommodation across 40-hectares. The industrial estate at Bankstown Airport is the most centrally located warehouse development of this scale, with direct access to the M5 motorway, Sydney CBD, Port Botany and the new Western Sydney Airport. In addition, Altitude can accommodate a further 100,000 sqm of industrial accommodation pre-lease enquiry across the remaining pads.
Owned by Aware Super and managed by Sydney Metro Airports, the world-class precinct at Bankstown Airport provides tenants with a prime location that integrates with major infrastructure routes including rail, sea and air freight hubs.
See www.altitudeindustrial.com.au