An airport city district incorporating a campus-style business centre, a 150-bed hotel and a hospital is proposed for Essendon Airport near Melbourne in its masterplan for 2013-2033.

Essendon Airport Pty Ltd released its masterplan vision recently advising that the proposals could provide a significant economic boost for the Melbourne area. Currently the Moonee Valley municipal area encompassing the airport derives a net direct economic benefit from the airport of AUS$485m (US$444m). Essendon Airport projects that this will rise by $171m per year in the next five years with the masterplan.

“Essendon Airport has already achieved considerable success in pursuing a business model that balances both the important aviation requirements under the lease and the opportunity to develop a business activity centre that is strategically positioned between Melbourne Airport and the CBD,” said Chris Cowan, Essendon Airport CEO.

“Now this latest masterplan outlines the airport’s next critical phase for development that delivers more jobs, a greater economic boost to Melbourne’s north west and enhanced community amenities.”

The airport proposes development around the existing precincts surrounding the airport, around 78 hectares of non-aviation land is available for development, the company advises. Proposals outlined for its use include the creation of a campus-style ‘business activity centre’ designed to complement existing business facilities and boost the business acumen of district. Further office, hotel, retail and entertainment facilities, a long-term car park, car dealerships, warehouse storage facilities, service stations and a hospital are also mooted in the plans.

The company estimates a construction expenditure of around $87m in the first five years but to provide an additional 991 jobs in that time. Over one million people are located within a 15 minute drive of Essendon Airport and 2.6 million people live within 30 minutes.

The masterplan is currently out for public consultation for 60 days and will also be reviewed in five years time.

This article was reproduced and edited from an original story that appeared on our sister site Global Airport Cities.

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