Spectre Property secures planning approval for $25 million Airport West industrial development

Spectre Property has secured planning approval for a $25 million industrial development in Melbourne's Airport West, almost directly opposite Essendon Fields. 

The development will deliver 20 warehouse units across a 4,000sqm site, including four units with private yards, with release to market in October 2026 and construction expected to start in February 2027.

Located near Essendon Fields, the site benefits from convenient access to major arterial roads and freeways, while remaining close to established residential areas.

Spectre Property managing director, Jason Grasso, said the location was well connected, making it desirable to develop on this site.

“We’d had our eye on the Airport West site before it came to market, so signing the contract on Christmas Day made it a particularly memorable acquisition for us," said Jason.

"It’s a tightly held industrial location with excellent access to major roads and freeways.

“For us, it’s about identifying the right sites and then getting the planning and design fundamentals right to create functional spaces that work for the businesses occupying them."

Jason said acquiring approval proposed some negotiation.

“Securing approval for 20 units and negotiating the removal of the electrical substation allowed us to make more efficient use of the site and improve the overall layout," said Jason.

“We’ve also focused on the details that make a tangible difference to future occupants, including private yards, undercover parking, solar, EV charging provision and landscaped elements integrated into the office spaces.”

Spectre Property acquired the property through an on-market campaign after initially identifying the opportunity off market, signing the contract on Christmas Day 2025 with planning approval was secured in August 2026.

During the planning process, Spectre Property negotiated the removal of an electrical substation, optimising the layout of the 4,000sqm site and elevating the design and functionality of each warehouse.

The development has been designed with a focus on functionality and amenity for businesses and owner-occupiers. 

Each unit will feature undercover parking, solar, provision for EV charging, stone kitchen benchtops and integrated dishwashers. 

Four units will also include private yards, while suspended garden beds accessible from openable office windows will introduce greenery into the workspaces.

Spectre Property now has approximately $400 million in active projects across eight developments, with a broader portfolio comprising approximately 745 commercial and industrial lots across 11 projects in Victoria and Queensland. 

With Its largest individual project Found Huntingdale representing approximately $125 million in value.

For more off-the-plan property news, click here.