Melbourne Market Relocation
Melbourne Market performs a vital role as a central market in the wholesale distribution of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. It is hub in the national distribution system for fresh produce, providing industry with essential logistic and scale efficiencies.
One of the largest infrastructure projects undertaken in Victoria at the time, the new fresh produce trading and distribution precinct in Epping, Victoria included the relocation of Melbourne Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market and National Flower Centre from Footscray Road, West Melbourne.
The new centre includes a 67,000 m² fruit and vegetable market building, 7,000 square metre national flower centre, and a 2,400 m² administration building, with parking facilities, services, storage and utility buildings.
Included in the project was a way finding strategy and design of over 1,000 individual signage elements from major building entry identification to trading stand numbering, office numbering, parking bay numbering, amenities, statutory and warning signage, across the 37 hectare site.
The calibre of the bid phase documentation made it easy to confidently price the project and deliver a well thought through proposal to the client.
Colin Geisler
Senior Project Manager, Lend Lease
Stores and traders’ units are designed to a modular system within the structural grid, with insulated metal sandwich panelling allowing for expansion and contraction of lettable stores.
Large free-span building sections were engineered for a column-free trading floor, maximising flexibility, and minimising vehicle collision during trading.
Transparent roof sheeting used for undercover parking and trading zones maximises daylight and minimises energy consumption.
A central plant for glycol generation and articulation throughout the facility was created to offer ‘plug-in’ supply to market traders – a high value inclusion affording efficient cooling at lower cost. Other innovations included:
- Research and testing of concrete finishes and treatment to maximise grip in trader areas where high water wash down can create slip hazards
- Raised pathways, cattle gates and containment rails to prepare pedestrians and drivers at intersections
- Façade megagraphics for truck and forklift drivers to easily navigate from a distance, reducing site circulation trips and vehicle congestion
People
While you are sleeping, this major suburban food market quietly powers Melbourne
Providing an alternative to the dominance of major supermarkets, the market is like a miniature city that rises and falls each night, built on cucumbers, apples, forklifts – and bacon and egg rolls.
Insight
DesignInc Melbourne Grows Leadership Team
The Melbourne studio announces a fourth director and a new associate to strengthen our leadership team.
Insight
A Fine Balance—Transport and Infrastructure Projects
Transport infrastructure projects change lives. Yet they are complex to get right, requiring a balance of technical requirements with considerations such as heritage, accessibility, bushfire, landscape, urban and local community contexts.
Insight
A New Living Laboratory at Monash University
‘…inspired by the way new forest plants utilise older host trees as support.’
Insight
Celebrating 21 Years Together
Born from three Australian architecture and design practices coming together in 2000, DesignInc is a powerful union of design talent, professional expertise, and multidisciplinary skills.
Insight
A Redeveloped Library Celebrates Increased Patronage
The building sits beautifully within its parkland setting. With its mix of zones and well-planned spaces, the library presents delightful views for its visitors to enjoy.
