Perri Projects to Develop Data Center in West Footscray
Perri Projects, an investment firm and property developer, has filed plans to redevelop a 2.72-hectare site in West Melbourne. The proposed development will see a modern four-story data center rise on a site currently occupied by the Goldsbrough Mort and Co Ltd Woolstore building. This project is situated at the intersection of McArthur Street and Sunshine Road, in the Maribyrnong area, a strategic location close to NextDC’s M3 facility.
Strategic Location for Data Center Development
The site’s location in West Footscray offers excellent connectivity and access to key infrastructure, making it an attractive spot for data center development. Notably, the Goldsbrough Mort & Co Ltd Woolstore is a significant historical building, listed for its regional architectural and historical value. The proposal to build a state-of-the-art data center next to this heritage site reflects a thoughtful balance between modernization and respect for the area’s rich industrial past.
Design Vision and Architectural Considerations
Greenbox Architects, the project’s design firm, envisions a data center that blends seamlessly with its heritage surroundings. The building’s design features a modern interpretation of the woolstore’s façade, incorporating a rhythm of brick bands and glazed panels. Strong vertical columns will further accentuate its presence on Sunshine Road, ensuring the data center stands out while maintaining respect for the adjacent historical structures.
The project is designed not only to meet modern data storage and processing needs but also to reflect the architectural significance of the Goldsbrough Mort Woolstore. The building, with its contemporary yet historically inspired aesthetic, will serve as a strong visual landmark in the area.
Approval and Development Process
The data center proposal is currently under review by the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, following the fast-track Development Facilitation Program. The City of Maribyrnong Council has already granted a subdivision permit for the project, signaling strong local support for the redevelopment.
Central Godown Pty Ltd, a joint owner of the site, is listed as the applicant for the project. The company is headed by David Scalzo, also a director of Perri Projects. With the project’s architectural and planning aspects already in motion, the next steps will focus on securing final approvals and moving forward with construction.
Significance of the Goldsbrough Mort Woolstore
The Goldsbrough Mort & Co Woolstore holds a special place in Australia’s industrial history. Built in the post-war period, the structure symbolizes the prosperity of the wool industry and its contribution to Australia’s economic growth. The woolstore is renowned for its large scale, which reflects the success of businesses involved in the wool trade, such as Goldsbrough Mort & Co, now part of Elders Limited.
Incorporating such a historically significant building into the development process is essential for maintaining the cultural and architectural heritage of the region, while also ensuring the growth of modern infrastructure like data centers.
Perri Projects: A Leading Force in Melbourne’s Development Scene
Perri Projects is a well-established Melbourne-based private investment and property development group. With a focus on industrial, commercial, and residential developments, the company has gained a reputation for delivering high-quality projects across the city. The Perri Melbourne Data Centre will be another landmark development, continuing the company’s legacy of transforming key locations within Melbourne.
FAQ Section
1. What is the size of the land for the proposed data center in West Melbourne?
The site spans 2.72 hectares and is located at 1 McArthur Street and 63 Sunshine Road, West Footscray.
2. How many floors will the Perri Melbourne Data Centre have?
The data center will consist of four stories, with the design incorporating both modern and heritage-inspired elements.
3. Who is involved in the development of the data center project?
The project is led by Perri Projects, with architectural design by Greenbox Architects and Central Godown Pty Ltd acting as the applicant.
4. How does the development respect the heritage of the Goldsbrough Mort Woolstore?
The data center design incorporates a modern interpretation of the woolstore’s façade, maintaining the architectural rhythm and heritage of the building while introducing contemporary features.
5. What is the significance of the Goldsbrough Mort Woolstore?
The woolstore is historically and architecturally significant, representing the prosperity of the wool industry in Victoria, with ties to the early agricultural business Goldsbrough Mort & Co, now Elders Limited.
