Building a sustainable future

In another significant milestone for the ongoing development of the Brisbane Markets site, Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has broken ground on the construction of its latest warehouse development, Building H1. The $23.2 million, 5,987 m2 warehouse is being constructed on a 10,684 m2 site on the north western corner of the South Gate West elevated building pad. BML held a ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, 27 January 2022 attended by representatives from incoming tenant, Green Endeavour (the combined parent entity of Fruitlink and Suncoast Fresh), architects, dwp, and developer, SBP Australia. BML Chair, Anthony Kelly, said the project demonstrated BML’s ability to attract high-calibre developments in line with the site’s Master Plan. “This new development reflects BML’s commitment to industry engagement and our concentrated maintenance and development strategy since the fresh produce industry took ownership of the site in 2002,” Mr Kelly said. Graeme Twine, Director of Green Endeavour, said he relished the opportunity to work with BML and SBP Australia to create a building that is futuristic and forward thinking in a way that is as sustainable as possible. “Working with BML to create a purpose-built facility has been such a privilege because it allows us to create a design that provides ease of operation and a smoothness to the whole layout of the warehouse,” Mr Twine said. “Part of the reason why Suncoast Fresh and Fruitlink wanted to join forces as a combined entity was so that we could start thinking about ways to streamline our businesses and make improvements that not only create a better customer experience but are also better for the environment as well. “By coming together, we can be greener, more streamlined and optimise the way the produce is cared for in the most modern way possible. We really wanted to build a facility that will be globally recognised.” Fellow Director of Green Endeavour, Doug Rylance, echoed Mr Twine’s sentiment that the design development process had allowed all parties to create a building that met the needs of his business. “Working with BML has been outstanding. It’s been a professional, seamless process and we have been supported the whole way through. We couldn’t be happier,” said Mr Rylance. “This project means we can modernise our facility. We have the opportunity to start from scratch and challenge how we have done things over the past 20 or 30 years. It gives us the opportunity to reinvest in state-of-the-art equipment and green technologies to provide better sustainability.” Building H1 will consist of a warehouse area of 4,606 m2 , including seven cold rooms, a freezer, two heavy produce rooms, one dispatch room, a finger dock and 11 loading docks. In addition, the development will feature 818 m2 of offices over two levels and a rooftop terrace garden. With the current global environment presenting its own unique challenges, SBP Australia Project Manager, Ryan Knott, said the developer is placing a focus on ensuring everything goes smoothly even if there are supply chain disruptions. “The building site is larger than we usually deal with to allow for building materials to be ordered early and stored on site to stave off potential supply chain issues over the course of the year,” Mr Knott said. The construction works are due to be completed early in 2023.

Building a brighter future: Green Endeavour’s Directors, Duane Ashton (Suncoast Fresh), Adam Dilworth (Fruitlink), Graeme Twine (Suncoast Fresh) and Doug Rylance (Fruitlink), with Brisbane Markets Limited Chair, Anthony Kelly, and Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Young.