Melbourne Skyfarm plan to transform MCEC car park

A group of leading Melbourne-based sustainability companies are collaborating to transform the 2000 metre² Siddeley Street rooftop car park, managed by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), into a thriving farm with sustainable and contemporary dining, education and event spaces.

Melbourne Skyfarm has been initiated by Melbourne-based nature regeneration and protection group Odonata, urban farming company Biofilta and The Sustainable Landscape Company, with the support of MCEC and City of Melbourne’s Urban Forest Fund.

The rooftop will be home to an advanced urban rooftop farm, rooftop orchard and beekeeping, environmental education centre and design hub, and 90 seat licensed café with elevated terrace and event space.

The farm will grow over five tonnes of fresh produce per annum, with a large proportion of produce being donated to Melbourne food charities, as well as being used on the menu of the Melbourne Skyfarm cafe.

Advising that Melbourne Skyfarm is a unique opportunity for MCEC to contribute to the sustainability of the Melbourne CBD and in particular, the South Wharf and Docklands precincts, MCEC Chief Executive Peter King stated “we will work closely with the Skyfarm team to explore the many exciting opportunities this new partnership can offer MCEC’s customers, visitors and employees.”

Melbourne Skyfarm Director Brendan Condon said Melbourne Skyfarm will showcase what is possible for sustainable cities embracing the future.

Condon stated “Skyfarm will transform a concrete carpark into an inner city rooftop oasis and thriving urban farm, where Melburnians can enjoy a meal, explore a beautiful landscape, have an engaging educational experience and find out about emerging solutions to environmental challenges.”

The project aims to construct a demonstration working farm for second half of 2019, with all elements and buildings completed by late 2020.

For more information on the Melbourne Skyfarm go to www.melbourneskyfarm.com.au.

Information on Melbourne Skyfarm partners can be viewed at:

Biofilta www.biofilta.com.au
The Sustainable Landscape Company www.theslc.com.au
Odonata www.odonata.org.au