A $268.78 million multi-level warehouse and distribution centre at 270-286 Horsley Road, Milperra, proposed by ESR Developments (Australia) Pty Ltd, has officially received approval from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Following a detailed assessment and public consultation, the State Significant Development (SSD-51147710) received approval in February 2025.
This project will boost employment, improve logistics efficiency, and provide modern warehouse facilities in a crucial industrial precinct. Moreover, with its strategic location near major transport routes, the development will enhance Sydney’s supply chain infrastructure.
Overview of the Approved Development
The newly approved multi-storey warehouse and distribution centre will include twelve tenancies, along with office spaces, staff amenities, and a café. With a Gross Floor Area (GFA) of 77,108m², the facility is designed to accommodate a diverse range of industrial tenants.
Key Features of the Development
- Two-Level Warehouse Structure: The facility includes 66,949m² of warehouse space, divided into 12 tenancies, and 4,625m² of ancillary office space.
- On-Site Facilities: The site will feature a 25m² café, 184m² of end-of-trip (EOT) facilities, and bicycle storage.
- Traffic and Transport Access: There will be two vehicle access points from Horsley Road and one from Beaconsfield Street, with separate driveways for heavy and light vehicles.
- Parking and Landscaping: The facility will include 343 car spaces, 13 motorcycle spaces, and 318 newly planted trees to improve the site’s environmental impact.
- Operational Schedule: The warehouse will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring uninterrupted business activities.
- Employment Impact: The project will generate 873 construction jobs and 695 permanent jobs once operational.
What Previously Existed on the Site?
The 7.12-hectare site at 270-286 Horsley Road, Milperra has long served industrial and manufacturing purposes.
Initially, the land functioned as a poultry farm in the early 1900s. By the 1960s, industries began using the land for manufacturing and foundry operations, reflecting the shift towards large-scale production. More recently, businesses operated a general warehouse and distribution centre, supporting Sydney’s industrial sector.
However, the existing buildings had become outdated and inefficient, making redevelopment essential. Consequently, the developer proposed a remediation plan to clear the site, remove contaminants, and prepare it for modern industrial use. With these changes, the site will contribute to Sydney’s expanding logistics industry.
Why Build a Warehouse and Distribution Centre?
Rising Demand for Industrial Land in Sydney
Sydney’s industrial land market is experiencing a significant shortage, particularly for logistics and warehouse operations. As urban areas expand, available land suitable for large-scale industrial use is becoming increasingly scarce. Nevertheless, the Milperra industrial precinct provides a key location for logistics growth due to its accessibility and connectivity to major road networks.
Prime Location for Freight and Logistics
The site’s proximity to major transport infrastructure makes it an ideal location for warehousing, distribution, and freight operations. It is only 2.2 km from the M5 Motorway, providing direct access to:
- Sydney Airport (14km away) for domestic and international freight.
- Port Botany (18km away), which is crucial for import and export businesses.
- The future Western Sydney Airport, set to become a major transport hub.
- Sydney’s wider motorway network, ensuring efficient movement of goods.
With such strong connectivity, businesses operating from this site can streamline their supply chains and reduce transportation delays. Additionally, the site allows companies to optimize delivery routes and enhance efficiency.
Meeting Growing Logistics and E-Commerce Demands
The demand for modern, efficient warehouse space is at an all-time high, particularly due to the rise of e-commerce and global supply chain expansion. This development will help meet Sydney’s growing need for logistics space, particularly for businesses that require quick distribution networks.
Unlike traditional single-storey warehouses, this project incorporates a two-level design, which maximizes land use while reducing urban sprawl. As a result, businesses will have access to larger, more adaptable warehouse spaces without excessive land consumption.
How Will the Facility Be Used?
The multi-level warehouse and distribution centre will provide businesses with state-of-the-art storage and logistics solutions.
Primary Uses of the Facility
- Storage & Distribution: The site will support storing goods and ensuring rapid distribution across Sydney and beyond.
- Freight & Logistics: Its proximity to major transport hubs makes it perfect for freight operations.
- Manufacturing Support: Many businesses will use the warehouse for storing raw materials or finished goods.
- Office & Administration: Each tenancy includes dedicated office space, allowing businesses to manage their operations on-site.
Since the facility will operate 24/7, tenants will be able to optimize their logistics processes without restrictions.
Why Was the Project Approved?
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure approved the project after evaluating its economic, environmental, and social benefits.
Economic and Employment Benefits
- The project will create 873 construction jobs and 695 full-time jobs, strengthening the local economy.
- It will expand Sydney’s logistics sector, making the city more competitive in global supply chain management.
- With a $268.78 million investment, the project supports Milperra’s growth as an industrial hub.
Traffic and Accessibility Considerations
- Heavy vehicle movements will be restricted during school hours, reducing congestion near Mount St Joseph Catholic College.
- An Operational Traffic Management Plan will ensure smooth traffic flow and reduced congestion.
- New pedestrian walkways and safety measures will improve accessibility for employees and visitors.
Noise and Environmental Safeguards
- A Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan will limit noise disturbances during building works.
- Operational noise will be actively monitored to comply with environmental standards.
- The site will feature 318 new trees, enhancing biodiversity and air quality.
Urban Design Enhancements
- The increased front setback will improve the streetscape’s overall appearance.
- Additional landscaping buffers along Horsley Road will help reduce the visual impact of the development.
- The modern architectural design will align with Milperra’s evolving industrial precinct.
The project also aligns with major local and state planning policies, including:
- The Greater Sydney Region Plan
- The South District Plan
- Future Transport 2056
- The Canterbury Bankstown Local Strategic Planning Statement
Project Team and Consultants
A team of industry experts contributed to the project’s planning, design, and environmental assessment:
- Developer: ESR Developments (Australia) Pty Ltd
- Urban Planning & Environmental Impact: Ethos Urban
- Architectural Design: SBA Architects
- Traffic & Transport Impact Assessment: Genesis Traffic
- Biodiversity & Environmental Studies: Abel Ecology
- Air Quality & Noise Assessments: SLR Consulting
- Geotechnical Investigation & Stormwater Management: Douglas Partners & Craig & Rhodes
- Waste Management: SLR Consulting
- Cultural Heritage Assessments: Biosis & Umwelt
- Cost Estimation: Rider Levett Bucknall
For more details, search SSD-51147710 on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s website.
