As demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital services skyrockets, the data centre industry is expanding rapidly.  

Melbourne is emerging as a major hub in the Asia Pacific region, attracting global investment and reshaping the nation’s economic future.  

The Growth Trajectory 

Australia’s data centre capacity is set to more than double, jumping from 1,350 MW in 2024 to 3,100 MW by 2030. This requires an estimated $26 billion in investment. 

Melbourne is leading the charge, with nearly three-quarters of the 183,000sqm of new supply currently under construction concentrated in the city. A combination of land constraints in traditional hubs and a shift toward hyperscale data centres is driving this transformation. 

The Shift to Greenfield Sites 

Historically, Melbourne’s data centres have been clustered in industrial precincts like Fishermans Bend, Yarraville, and Tullamarine. But as demand grows for larger, more power-intensive facilities, greenfield sites are emerging as the new frontier.  

These expansive sites offer scalable infrastructure, advanced cooling solutions, and more efficient energy management—key priorities as operators balance sustainability with performance. 

The move to greenfield development presents both challenges and opportunities. Melbourne’s industrial land supply is at an all-time low, making site acquisitions fiercely competitive.  

However, greenfield sites provide a rare opportunity for developers to secure large-scale, long-term assets that can accommodate next-generation digital infrastructure. 

Securing the Future 

With deep local expertise and strong relationships with major landowners, RPM Transactions & Advisory (T&A) is playing a pivotal role in identifying and securing strategic land parcels for data centre developments.  

Leveraging advanced GIS mapping and industry-leading research, RPM T&A is working with global players from the US, Singapore, and Japan to facilitate the next wave of data centre projects.  

This article references findings from our Q4 2024 VIC Greenfield Market Report. Read the full report here.