Melbourne's First Urban Hydroponic Farm in Southbank

In the lead-up to construction commencing on Australia’s tallest tower STH BNK By Beulah, Melbourne developer Beulah has partnered with Sydney-based community vertical farming business, Greenspace, to activate the existing site into a 200sqm pop-up Macrofarm during the prep phase for construction.

Disrupting the traditional food production and distribution system with a profound new interconnected vertical farming mode, Greenspace transforms under-utilised spaces within cities, into commercial vertical farms called ‘Macrofarms’. The partnership will be instrumental in exploring the future of urban agriculture while raising awareness to the public about sustainable local farming within city centres.

Within the Southbank site, various microgreens, herbs and salads are planted to bring urban farming to the city centre, with local businesses benefiting including ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, Deloitte, Compass, Foodbuy, Hyatt, Sheraton, W hotels, Novotel, Zurich Insurance, Trippas White Group and Two Good Co.

The collaboration and experiment with Greenspace forms part of STH BNK By Beulah’s vision of exploring the future of retail, programming and new business models - in particular, the collaboration explores the potential for STH BNK’s lifestyle podium, recognising hydroponics as a key element in future retail experimentation.

Additionally, Beulah’s vision is to integrate community vertical farming into the completed project as a means of supplying healthy, organic and low carbon fresh food to residents and workers of STH BNK By Beulah. This would also act as an educational tool for the next generation, teaching children about the importance of fresh produce and the supply chain of transporting food into our homes.

With food transport emissions contributing to nearly half of the direct emissions from road vehicles, Greenspace puts a great deal of consideration into its carbon footprint and chooses to deliver its produce to clients on foot. On average, Greenspace produce travels less than 2km from farm-to-table, a significant improvement over other Australian fresh produce, which can travel an excessive distance before reaching your plate.

Thanks to Greenspace’s hydroponic farming model, the macro farms use up to 95 per cent less water than traditional farming and can grow at least four times the amount of produce in the same area footprint - this eliminates land degradation and land clearing by utilising unused urban space instead.

Beulah Executive Director Adelene Teh said the collaboration signifies a shift towards sustainable, community-centric collaborations that blend nature with urban sophistication.

“Vertical farms are the way of the future and at Beulah, we are continually researching, exploring and experimenting to understand how present and future generations will live. This collaboration highlights our sincere commitment to a more sustainable future, one where agriculture and retail can seamlessly intertwine to create community-wide benefits,” said Adelene.

“At Greenspace, our vision is to make local produce both sustainable and accessible while positively changing the distribution supply chain to reduce carbon emissions and promote wellness through nutrient-rich food sources,” says Greenspace Founder Peter Fox. “We’re excited to be collaborating with Beulah to explore and hopefully reshape the future of city living via macro farms.”

Alongside the Melbourne location, Greenspace currently has two active vertical farms in Sydney.

STH BNK By Beulah is due to commence early works in 2024 and will take approximately five years to complete. One, two, three and four-bedroom residences are now selling, starting from $628k. To find out more about the new landmark to live, work, play rejuvenate and explore, STH BNK By Beulah, please visit sthbnk.com.