In a bold move towards sustainable urban agriculture, construction has commenced on Melbourne’s ground-breaking Stacked Farm development at Melbourne Airport. The project is set to transform the way we think about food production and urban planning, positioning Melbourne as a leader in the future of farming.
In March 2024, Urbis was engaged by Total Construction on behalf of Melbourne Airport as planning consultants, seeking to develop land with a vertical farm within the Melbourne Airport lease area. Stacked Farm at Melbourne Airport will be the world’s largest fully automated indoor vertical farm by output. Covering 10,000 sqm, the facility will produce an impressive 3.4 million kilograms of fresh herbs and leafy greens annually.
We played a pivotal role, working closely with Total Construction and the Melbourne Airport Development Approvals team to facilitate the timely approval of the planning application, and later the amended permit application.
“By leveraging strong working relationships within Melbourne Airport and a clear understanding of commercial imperatives, our team assisted the client in managing various internal airport and external air space referrals, securing approval in under six weeks.
– Eleni Roussos, Director
As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for sustainable food sources becomes increasingly critical. Stacked Farm can deliver ‘perfect’ produce all year round in a climate-controlled environment. This method revolutionises food production through innovative and sustainable technologies, enabling faster crop cycles averaging between 16 and 31 days, compared to the traditional 45-80 days.
The facility is designed to set a new global standard in vertical farming, using the latest technology to integrate farming, processing and packing into one highly efficient operation. Stacked Farm utilises a zero-waste water system and is powered entirely by green energy. Beyond its environmental benefits, the project will create approximately 15 jobs on site, contributing to the ongoing growth and business activity of Melbourne Airport’s Business Park.
“Our team is pleased to have worked closely with stakeholders to bring this vertical farm development to life, showcasing our commitment to a sustainable future and collaborative planning.
– Vanessa Atme, Consultant
We’re proud to have played a crucial role and supported the Total Construction team in bringing this transformative project to life, demonstrating our commitment to shaping the future of our cities and communities.