RP Infrastructure

SML operates Sydney Markets at Flemington in Sydney – one of the largest and most successful wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower markets in the world. SML has a commitment to its stakeholder operators to build momentum in emerging growth areas and create enhanced operating facilities for the future of the markets. Sydney Markets has a number of key external influences including the growth of Sydney to the west, arterial transport links and the changing urban landscape for new residential centres.

Project Overview

Following our previous extensive work on the Melbourne Wholesale Markets, SML appointed RP Infrastructure (RPI) to identify an optimal model for future operation. The intention was to provide SML’s operator-stakeholders a strategic master plan that would establish long-term requirements to enhance their operations and businesses – providing an optimal model for the ideal future market on an inner-city site, establishing better logistics solutions and addressing an evolving work health and safety environment.

Our Role

RPI, in tandem with a consultant property advisor, worked with the SML to prepare a master plan for the continued future use of the high-value Flemington site. We consulted extensively with different stakeholder groups to thoroughly understand the markets’ operational requirements and developed a number of master plan options which ensure the efficient and effective continuance of the markets, maintain operations through delivery and enhance the long-term viability of this iconic market.

Key Challenge

A key challenge was the development of master plan options which met the demands of the many different business groups whilst not adversely affecting the individual operations of more than 100 owner/operators. RPI was able to demonstrate extensive knowledge of produce markets from our Melbourne Markets’ experience and this gave confidence to the stakeholders that we fully understood their business aspirations, drivers and operations.