Construction Commences At Seed As Mirvac, Australian Retirement Trust And Government Turn First Sod

Mirvac and Australian Retirement Trust (ART) yesterday marked the commencement of construction at SEED, one of the first industrial and enterprise precincts to commence works within the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

The $2bn project will provide a major economic boost for the region, with more than 3,000 jobs to be created across the two stages of the precinct’s development, as SEED evolves into a major employment hub aligned with the growth of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.

The milestone event was attended by Mirvac’s CEO, Development Stuart Penklis; Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Corrections and Minister for Building, Anoulak Chanthivong; Penrith Mayor, Todd Carney and ART’s General Manager, Mid Risk Assets, Michael Weaver, signifying the start of delivery of the first stage of the transformative precinct.

Mr Penklis said the turning of the first sod marked an important step for Western Sydney and the Aerotropolis:

“SEED was the first large-scale industrial precinct to receive State Significant Development Application approval from the NSW Government within the Aerotropolis. Today marks a significant milestone as construction gets underway.

“Early customer interest reflects the strength of the location just 800 metres from Sydney’s only 24-hour airport and the M12 Motorway, in one of Australia's most strategically important growth corridors. SEED offers customers the access and capacity they need to scale with confidence as the region evolves,” Mr Penklis said.

This marks the third industrial project by the Mirvac–ART partnership, following Aspect and Switchyard, a next-generation industrial estate in Auburn.

Minister Chanthivong said the commencement of construction demonstrated the progress being made across Western Sydney.

“This is an important project for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, creating jobs and strengthening the region’s role as a major employment destination.

“Investments like this helps ensure local communities benefit from the significant infrastructure investment being made alongside the new airport,” he said.

Michael Weaver, Australian Retirement Trust’s General Manager, Mid Risk Assets, said the project reflected ART’s long‑term investment approach, while supporting community and economic growth.

“Australian Retirement Trust is proud to be partnering with Mirvac as construction commences at SEED,” Mr Weaver said.

“This project aligns with our objective to invest for strong, risk-adjusted returns for members, while supporting Western Sydney’s economic development and job creation.”

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the development was significant for the City.

"This is the first major project groundbreaking for the Aerotropolis in Penrith City," Mayor Carney said.

"About 60 per cent of Penrith residents currently travel outside the Local Government Area for work, so creating jobs close to home is a priority for Council.

"This development is evidence of our City and region delivering as a major driver of productivity, innovation and employment growth in Greater Sydney."

SEED is located on Elizabeth Drive with direct access to the M12 Motorway and close proximity to the M7, connecting occupiers to major road, rail and future aviation networks. It will comprise 90 hectares of developable land adjoining 42 hectares of natural open space across two stages, with flexible warehouse opportunities ranging from 2,500 to 100,000 square metres across 17 future buildings, designed to support logistics, advanced manufacturing, technology and aviation‑linked enterprises. The first warehouse is targeted for completion in mid 2027.

Richard Seddon, Mirvac’s CEO, Investment said Mirvac’s $2.4 billion¹ industrial development pipeline, entirely concentrated in prime Sydney locations, continues to advance strongly.

“Through our ongoing partnership with ART and with the support of the NSW Government, SEED builds on the strong foundations established at Aspect Industrial Estate, Kemps Creek and our shared ambition to deliver leading, sustainable industrial precincts for Western Sydney,” said Mr Seddon.

“A second SSDA application for SEED, which also forms part of Stage One of the project will soon be lodged, supporting continued momentum for the precinct’s delivery.”

Sustainability is embedded into the precinct’s design, with SEED targeting net positive embodied carbon, minimum 5‑Star Green Star certification, rooftop solar, LED lighting, recycled water systems, electric vehicle charging and environmental monitoring to support customer ESG outcomes.

From the project’s inception Mirvac have worked closely with Dharug knowledge holders to ensure SEED reflects a strong Connection to Country, drawing on the cultural and environmental significance of Wianamatta Creek through its landscaped design approach.

¹ As reported at IH26