Architect Stephen Choi of Frasers Property Australia is looking to do more than just reel off buzz-jargon and break-even on environmental impacts. He’s keen to raise the bar when it comes to sustainable development, with a laser-focus on the retail and hospitality sector.

From late 2019, Frasers Property Australia are poised to open ‘the most sustainable shopping centre in the world’ right here in Melbourne… Burwood to be specific! Together with Creative Consultant Joost Bakker, they have kicked off the project by opening an Expression of Interest for tenants wanting to take over a Rooftop Urban Farm and Restaurant.

‘This is an Australian first, that will completely reconsider how food is sourced and provided by retailers. Two-thousand-square-metres of productive agricultural space has been evenly split between greenhouses, external planter boxes and landscaped growing areas,’ said Peri Macdonald, Frasers’ Executive GM of Retail.

The Burwood Brickworks space will also employ measures to lessen the environmental footprint of the entire development, including mulching excess organic material for compost, implementing ‘closed loop’ water reduction management, and limiting food and waste transportation.

‘Frasers is seeking to re-invent the way we think about sustainable, mixed-use developments and food sourcing,’ added Joost. ‘There is such a hunger for this kind of development throughout the world. It really fills a gap in the market to feed and nurture conscious consumers. New consumers want to shop, eat and relax in environments that truly support a sustainable world.’

The sustainability concept for the rooftop is key to accrediting the building as Australia’s first 6 Star Green Star Design and As-Built retail building, and the world’s first Living Building Challenge certified retail development. Translation: A Living Building has a net zero carbon footprint, produces more electricity than it consumes, grows agriculture on 20 per cent of the site and is net water and waste positive, amongst other social and health benefits, including access to natural daylight, indoor air quality, and employing non-toxic, recycled construction materials.

To express your interest or for more info visit Frasersproperty.com.au/retail/vic/burwood-brickworks.