Australian data center provider NextDC is advancing its growth in Melbourne with the development of its M4 facility. This new project will be located in Port Melbourne, on a 2.64-hectare plot of land at 127 Todd Road. The company is committing an investment of AU$200 million ($123.8 million) to develop the 80MW data center, set to span 26,400 sqm (284,165 sq ft) of technical space.
This facility will significantly expand NextDC’s footprint in Melbourne, following the success of its previous data center launches in the city. The M4 data center is currently in the early stages of planning, with construction anticipated to begin soon. Phase 1 of the development will provide approximately 10MW of capacity.
Strategic Location and Previous Developments in Melbourne
The M4 site is situated less than 3 kilometers from NextDC’s existing M1 data center. The M1, which was launched in 2012, offers 15MW across 6,000 sqm. The company also operates two other facilities in the area: M2 (60MW across 25,000 sqm) and M3 (150MW across 40,000 sqm), both of which have contributed to NextDC’s strong position in the competitive Melbourne data center market.
The 127 Todd Road property was previously home to News Corp’s Westgate Park Printing Complex, built in 1992. NextDC acquired the site in 2023, securing a prime location for this major expansion.
NextDC’s Future Plans: M5 and Edge Facility in Geelong
In addition to the M4 project, NextDC is evaluating the development of a fifth Melbourne facility, known as M5. The company’s 2024 results presentation highlighted this potential expansion, although no further details were provided.
NextDC is also focusing on the edge computing market with plans for a 1MW Edge data center in Geelong, a city located outside Melbourne across Port Phillip. While specific details about the Geelong facility remain sparse, NextDC’s recent modular Edge launch in Pilbara, Western Australia, signals its commitment to expanding its edge presence.
Competitive Landscape in Melbourne’s Data Center Market
Melbourne remains a hotbed for data center activity, with several global players present in the market. Competitors such as Equinix, AirTrunk, Digital Realty, Microsoft, Amazon, Stack, CDC, and Telstra are actively operating in the region, contributing to a rapidly growing industry that’s increasingly critical to the digital economy.
FAQs about NextDC’s Data Center Expansion
What is the size of NextDC’s M4 facility in Melbourne?
The M4 data center will offer 80MW of capacity across 26,400 sqm (284,165 sq ft) of technical space.
Where is the M4 facility located?
The M4 data center is located at 127 Todd Road, Port Melbourne, Australia.
What is the investment for NextDC’s new data center?
NextDC plans to invest AU$200 million ($123.8 million) in the development of the M4 data center.
What are NextDC’s future plans in Melbourne?
NextDC is also considering the development of a fifth facility, the M5, in Melbourne, and a 1MW Edge site in Geelong.
Who are NextDC’s competitors in Melbourne?
Other operators in Melbourne include Equinix, AirTrunk, Digital Realty, Microsoft, Amazon, Stack, CDC, and Telstra.
