David Hall, General Manager Merrifield Corporation said, “The study undertaken by Essential Economics has confirmed that Merrifield has the potential to generate an average of one job per 80 square metre of developed floor space which is considered a high density employment outcome in the context of the scale of the site.

“We engaged Essential Economics to provide independent advice to assist with the ongoing master planning of Merrifield. Given the strategic location of the site, it is important that our planning is responsive to the anticipated changing needs of business and the labour market in Hume City.”

The study has identified an opportunity for the Merrifield project to provide a purpose-built environment for business in warehousing, transport and logistics, packaging, manufacturing, engineering, head office/integrated industry and commercial offices.

“Preliminary planning is underway for the proposed Merrifield Activity Centre which will provide the necessary support services for this growing employment precinct including financial services, real estate agents, medical facilities, child care, gymnasium and leisure facilities, cafes, restaurants and retail,” said Mr Hall.

Essential Economics has confirmed that there is strong potential for the growth of the small business sector in light of the strong residential growth in the region.

“We believe that Merrifield represents an innovative new business destination, with over 400 hectares of purpose-built space to accommodate a broad range of business operators. As Victoria’s largest fully master-planned business hub, the project is poised to become the State’s new heartland of business activity.” Mr Hall said.

Strategically positioned at Melbourne’s northern metropolitan edge in the Hume corridor, the site provides an ideal location for manufacturing, transport, freight and logistic activities on the main interstate connector to the eastern seaboard.