Industrial

Planned, retained and managed

The Australian industrial property sector is a dynamic and crucial component of the nation's economy. Spanning a wide range of facilities, from warehouses and distribution centres to manufacturing plants and logistics hubs, the industrial sector plays a pivotal role in supporting various industries and facilitating the movement of goods across the country and beyond.

One of the defining characteristics of the Australian industrial property sector is its resilience and adaptability. Over the years, it has demonstrated an impressive capacity to evolve in response to changing economic landscapes and technological advancements. This adaptability has been particularly evident in recent years, as the rise of e-commerce and the subsequent surge in demand for last-mile distribution centres have reshaped the industry.

Australia's major cities are significant players in the sector. Sydney is ideal for warehousing and distribution operations due to its strategic location and well-developed infrastructure. Melbourne boasts a thriving industrial property market, with suburbs such as Laverton North and Dandenong South emerging as key industrial hubs. Brisbane's access to major transport routes has contributed to the growth of its industrial sector, with the Port of Brisbane and Tradecoast Central becoming focal points for development. Perth's industrial property market is closely linked to the extraction and transportation of natural resources, with Kewdale and Welshpool serving as vital logistics hubs. These cities have witnessed significant growth in the industrial property market, driven by population growth, urbanisation, and the expansion of e-commerce.

In recent years, there have been significant changes in the form and location of development within this sector. Recently, across the eastern seaboard, we have seen historically low vacancy rates of less than 1 per cent for Industrial developments as tenant demand continues to outweigh supply. In some markets, there is 100% occupancy. The growth in demand for industrial development is further supported by changes in consumer demand, including the increased use of e-commerce and the need to increase inventories in response to COVID-19 and other supply chain shocks.

One of the notable trends within the Australian industrial property sector is the increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental considerations. With growing awareness of the impact of industrial operations on the environment, businesses are actively seeking properties and facilities that incorporate sustainable practices. This has led to the emergence of green industrial developments, featuring energy-efficient designs, renewable energy solutions and eco-friendly construction materials.

 

Our role in the increasingly challenging and expanding sector

Ethos Urban is committed to making cities and regions not just liveable but also workable. This commitment is about more than place-making – it’s also about connecting places, people, and products. For the past 30 years, we have been at the forefront of planning for Industrial and logistics projects. These projects are technically challenging, requiring specific governance protocols and specialist navigation through complex statutory approval pathways.

Our specialist knowledge and experience include central warehousing and logistics precincts across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. We understand that projects in this sector are often unique; therefore, we take the time to tailor our solution according to the needs of the project, often integrating them seamlessly with an overarching specialist project management skill set. As part of our solution, we collaborate with specialist firms as part of project teams - this collaborative partnership provides enhanced project outcomes. We also work with developers, landowners, investors, State and local government agencies, and infrastructure providers to add value at every stage of the planning and development process.

 

How can we assist your development?

We have the expertise to assist clients through all stages of the planning process by providing:

• Policy advice for government agencies, infrastructure providers and councils
• Strategic environmental assessments for industrial and logistics projects
• Priority precinct plans and corridor strategies to establish the planning framework for project delivery
• Strategic advice to define a delivery pathway for client projects, including navigating local and state government rezoning and development assessment processes
• Development applications, assessments and approvals, including applications for significant warehousing and logistics projects
• Rezoning proposals to unlock land value
• Demographic analysis and projections
• Economic and market assessments
• Urban design, capacity studies and concept planning services
• Community and stakeholder engagement strategies
• Visual Impact Assessments
• Social Strategies and Social Impact Assessments for major industrial and logistics projects