A year of progress in review 2011

2011 has been a mammoth year of continued success and progress with many new tenants and developments. Already home to over 250 tenants with over 3,500 workers and continually growing into a vibrant and bustling mixed use business park.

Many large scale companies and corporations have made the commitment to base themselves at Essendon Fields and most recently Murray Goulburn, who are commencing construction of their state-of-the-art head office in 2012. Cementing their decision were four fundamental pre-requisites that were unmatched elsewhere in the inner metropolitan regions of Melbourne.

Firstly and of prime importance, was location and access, taking into account convenience for staff, surrounding road infrastructure and connectivity to both the CBD and airports. Secondly, they factored in the status and projected economic growth of the area, as well as the level and quality of amenities and facilities available. Lastly, the demonstrated and dedicated approach to environmentally sustainable design and energy efficient building practices - which is an intrinsic part of the philosophy of Essendon Fields, boasting a 4.5 Star NABERS Energy Rating.

We reflects back over 2011 and revisits just some of the developments, special events and interesting people we met along the way.

LaManna, situated at English Street have brought back that old world personalised service of the traditional Italian grocers with their vast selection of fresh fruit, produce, meats, seafood and extensive range of gourmet and general grocery lines, not forgetting an on-site chef preparing fresh take home meals and cakes.

Essendon Fields not only serves the corporate and business sectors but provides amenities and services for everyone in the family. Professional childcare, health, fitness, beauty, grocery, fashion and giftware can all be found in one central location. In addition, Essendon Fields is home to forefront veterinary and emergency animal care in the state, ensuring all the members of your family are cared for.

Autocentro have welcomed some new recruits to the line up with Essendon Volkswagon and Great Wall adding to the convenience of a one-stop shop of new and used car dealerships along Wirraway Road. There simply could not be anywhere in Melbourne that allows customers the vast choice of vehicles to see, compare and test drive in one easy to find location.

Essendon Fields is getting a reputation as a fabulous back drop for local and international film and television productions such as Rush, The Killer Elite, the AFL footy show and the filming of Conspiracy 365 - a 12 part paid television series just to name a few.

Essendon Airport's Hangar 5 has also gained increased interest this year hosting a variety of private functions and charity events, including the Norparrin Ice Bar evening, a magazine cover photo shoot for rock band Eskimo Joe but none quite compare to the grandeur of Channel 7's launch party of the first ever Amazing Race Australia series.

In July, Air Ambulance purchased 4 King Air B-200 planes to join their aircraft fleet at the Ambulance Victoria and Victorian Police Aviation Facility at Essendon Airport. The airport has also seen expansion with a new Fixed Based Operation and Maintenance Facility for ExecuJet adding an additional 755sqm to their already 2700sqm. A milestone, 10,000th Angel Flight touched down at its base at Essendon Airport earlier this year and just recently, Elvis 'entered' the building.

A strong working relationship exists between Essendon Fields and Moonee Valley City Council. Cr Sipek outlined one of the platforms of his governance of great importance being the success and maintenance of Moonee Valley as one of the top, low risk and well managed councils in the state and the ongoing promotion of economic development to ensure continued prosperity amongst the community. Cr Sipek remarked "Essendon Fields has a strong positive impact on economic prosperity, with the community in particular, benefitting from increased employment opportunities". Cr Sipek also made reference to the fact that the DFO and Homemaker Centre are major visitor attractions to the City of Moonee Valley.

As 2011 marked the 10th anniversary of Essendon Fields, the Management and staff look forward to the new year in anticipation of further progress and success.