By Laura Michell
Work is under way to transform the former Ford plant at Broadmeadows into a $500 million industrial hub.
Developer Pelligra and real estate fund manager Qualitas have partnered to create the mixed-use industrial precinct, called Assembly Broadmeadows, on the Sydney Road site.
The precinct is expected to create 5000 jobs, with the first sod turned late last month.
The project, which will be developed in a 50/50 joint venture between Pelligra and Qualitas, will refurbish the existing 120,000 square metre former Ford assembly building to provide advanced industrial tenancies for the manufacturing, automation, logistics, warehousing, technology, trade supply, food production and large format retail sectors.
Stage one of the development also includes a convenience retail precinct, along with future plans for further modern logistics and industrial buildings and a designated office precinct adjoining the Upfield train line.
There are also plans for a 100-room hotel, supermarket, gym and child care centre.
The project is expected to be delivered over five years.
Pelligra chairman Ross Pelligra said Assembly Broadmeadows would deliver best-practice manufacturing infrastructure of a global standard.
“Not only are we looking to engage with and support pioneering industries like hydrogen, electric car manufacturers, robotics and renewable energy, but we are designing the precinct using sustainable practices and a focus on recycling and re-using biproducts across the site to provide cost benefits to tenants for the life of the project,” he said.
“We’re looking at creating jobs for the future, where we can create innovative, modern manufacturing jobs for our kids, for our grandkids and for kids to come.”
Broadmeadows MP Frank McGuire described the commencement of construction of Assembly Broadmeadows as an “important day” for the area.
“This is when we bring back the jobs,” he said.
“Less than five years ago, I remember coming here on the day when the announcement was made that Ford’s iconic assembly lines would fall silent. We knew it was coming but it still didn’t matter, we had tough union officials and workers with tears in their eyes. They were devastated and so was the community.
“We were hardest hit with 500 direct jobs lost, then supply chain jobs.”
