The industrial revolution we actually need
The industrial revolution we actually need
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
01 Jul 2025
Ten years ago, if you'd told me that an industrial park could sell out in two days before Christmas—commanding premium prices no less—I would have been intrigued by the market dynamics at play. Industrial developments were becoming more sophisticated, but this level of demand suggested something transformative was happening.
LOGIS proved exactly that.
Designing this project for Places Victoria and Melbourne Water's joint venture, we discovered something revolutionary in South Dandenong: we demonstrated that the development industry has been gradually recognising a fundamental truth—people will pay more for places that genuinely enhance their working lives.
The Evolution of Industrial Design
The development industry is experiencing a fascinating shift. We're moving beyond purely utilitarian approaches to embrace environments that support both operational efficiency and human wellbeing. The businesses relocating to better-designed industrial spaces are seeing measurable improvements in staff retention, productivity, and overall satisfaction.
This evolution makes perfect business sense. When we optimise for both machinery and people, we create environments that perform better across every metric that matters.
At LOGIS, we started with an exciting premise: what if industrial workers could enjoy the same environmental quality as people in premium commercial developments? Not as an added expense, but as a strategic investment in performance.
The Economics of Excellence
The market response validated our approach immediately. When stages four and five were released, they sold for $91 million in 48 hours. The businesses that chose LOGIS recognised something powerful: exceptional environments drive exceptional results.
They understood that thoughtful design affects performance, that amenity strengthens talent attraction, and that sustainability creates lasting competitive advantages. These companies were investing in their future success through their choice of location.
This represents smart business strategy that happens to create positive human outcomes.
Integration Over Compromise
The development industry is discovering something exciting: the old assumptions about necessary trade-offs are being challenged by innovative projects worldwide. Profit and purpose can align. Efficiency and beauty can coexist. Commercial success and environmental responsibility can reinforce each other.LOGIS exemplifies this integration by treating these elements as interconnected systems rather than competing priorities.
The wetland exists because natural water treatment systems are both cost-effective and elegant. The 18 hectares of open space reflect the understanding that proximity to nature increases both property values and worker satisfaction. Our design guidelines ensure quality outcomes that protect every stakeholder's investment.
When you approach these elements as integrated systems, you discover they strengthen each other in remarkable ways.
The Community Advantage
Perhaps the most valuable insight from LOGIS concerns the compound benefits of engaging with adjacent communities as genuine partners in development success.
The soccer facilities create shared value for workers and residents. The cycling connections enhance existing networks. The parklands function as public assets that simultaneously increase private property values. This integrated approach works because connected developments consistently outperform isolated ones.
By expanding our definition of success beyond the site boundaries, we generated more value within them.
LOGIS represents proof of concept for an approach that's gaining momentum across the development industry. While the specific solutions we implemented in South Dandenong reflect local conditions and opportunities, the underlying principles offer valuable insights for projects everywhere.
Begin with the understanding that people are central to development success. Design for the community you want to create, recognising its potential rather than accepting limitations. Embrace sustainability and profitability as natural partners. Understand that premium pricing requires premium environments, regardless of development type.
The development industry is experiencing unprecedented opportunity. Communities are engaging more thoughtfully with development proposals, governments are supporting innovative approaches, and businesses are actively seeking better working environments. These trends represent market signals pointing toward exciting possibilities.
LOGIS embraced these opportunities. This approach resulted in Victoria's first fully integrated eco-industrial business park receiving widespread industry recognition, including the 2013 UDIA VIC Environmental Excellence Award, the 2014 Property Council of Australia Best Business or Industrial Park Award, and multiple 2017 PIA Awards for Planning Excellence. The results demonstrate what's possible when we align business strategy with human needs.
The industrial revolution we're witnessing isn't primarily about new technology or financing innovation. It's about recognising that development's highest purpose is enhancing human potential while delivering strong returns. When we design with that understanding at the centre, remarkable outcomes become achievable.
The opportunity facing our industry is clear: we can lead this evolution toward environments that serve both people and profit exceptionally well.
Candice Ng is Director at Plus Studio, the firm behind the master planning of LOGIS Eco-Industrial Park in South Dandenong, Victoria.
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