Too often, older industrial sites are written off as obsolete. But these brownfield assets hold massive potential, if reimagined with purpose. In the current market, where timelines are tight and sustainability is a key metric, brownfield fitouts represent a cost-effective, low-impact alternative to new builds. At Agero, we specialise in helping industrial clients upgrade their space without rebuilding from scratch. With construction costs rising, lead times blowing out, and increasing scrutiny on ESG outcomes, brownfield transformations are the smarter, future-ready approach.
What is a brownfield project?
A brownfield site is a previously developed industrial or commercial property that is underperforming due to age, inefficiency, or outdated configurations. Unlike greenfield projects, which begin from a blank slate, brownfield projects work within existing structures to deliver upgraded performance.
Common examples:
- Warehouses with underused vertical space
- Industrial offices with legacy layouts no longer suited to operations
- Logistics hubs with inefficient loading bays or flow
- Manufacturing plants requiring repositioning to meet compliance or workflow standards
Brownfield sites are not limitations: they are opportunities for smart fitout solutions that unlock hidden value.
Explore Brownfield Projects at Agero
The Agero brownfield upgrade process
As Melbourne’s go-to partner for complex industrial projects, Agero brings an integrated, design-led approach to brownfield transformations. Our Design & Construct model ensures faster decisions, tighter cost control, and better results.
Here’s how we do it:
1. Strategic site review
We assess the current condition of the building, mapping out constraints, strengths, and compliance issues. This stage informs how we can work with what you have to meet modern needs.
2. Workplace strategy + compliance alignment
Every project begins with a clear strategy: how will people move, work, and interact in the space? We align these goals with ESD (Environmentally Sustainable Design), WHS, and industry-specific compliance.
3. Tailored design + construct delivery
Whether you need a warehouse reconfiguration, mezzanine installation, or amenities upgrade, we deliver solutions that meet your business case, budget and timeframe. Our D+C process eliminates handovers and delays.
4. Live environment delivery
Industrial businesses can’t afford to shut down for months. Agero is highly experienced in live environment delivery, minimising disruption to operations while ensuring safe, sequenced works.
Real Agero results: Proven brownfield transformations
We’ve successfully delivered award-winning upgrades for major asset owners and tenants across Victoria:
VISY Newport
- Scope: 2,000 sqm of industrial office/warehouse transformation
- Impact: Strategic reconfiguration, enhanced workflow, safety upgrades
Hanwha Defence Australia
- Scope: 1,200 sqm compliance-driven upgrade
- Impact: Optimised work zones, security compliance, new staff amenities
ISPT / Specialized Bikes
- Scope: 4,800 sqm repositioned warehouse + tenant overlay
- Impact: Integrated design and leasing solution, showcasing our capability in landlord-tenant coordination
Charter Hall / 50 Parkwest
- Scope: Full refurbishment for new tenant base
- Impact: Upgraded services, increased NLA usability, ESG uplift
Brownfield vs. Greenfield: A strategic comparison
| Feature | Brownfield | Greenfield |
| Site Status | Existing structure | Undeveloped land |
| Cost | Lower due to reuse | Higher (ground-up build) |
| Time to Deliver | Faster (no lengthy permits) | Slower (permits, design, build) |
| Environmental Impact | Reduced landfill + embodied carbon | Higher materials + construction footprint |
| Complexity | Requires experienced coordination | Typically less constrained |
Brownfield projects offer an ideal path when speed, cost control, and sustainability matter. With ESG reporting requirements intensifying in 2025 and beyond, your next industrial project needs to be as smart as it is functional.
Why Brownfield fitouts work in 2026
Melbourne’s industrial property landscape is shifting. Land costs are rising, planning approvals are slower, and supply chain disruptions continue to push out new build timelines. In this context, brownfield fitouts provide a strategic edge.
Benefits in the current market:
- Up to 40% more cost-effective than rebuilding
- Faster turnarounds with minimal red tape
- Better ESG alignment by preserving embodied carbon
- Higher tenant retention through operational continuity
- Improved asset performance without full demolition
With many industrial leases nearing expiry or requiring make-good, owners and tenants have a unique opportunity to reposition assets and maximise existing value.
Aligning Brownfield fitouts with sustainable stripouts
At Agero, we believe in circular construction practices. That’s why our Sustainable Stripout program works hand-in-hand with brownfield upgrades.
Before we begin a transformation, we identify:
- Reusable assets (fixtures, materials, partitions, etc.)
- Opportunities to rehome or donate items via our community network
- Ways to reduce waste and tipping fees
Through asset recovery and rehoming, we not only lower landfill impact but support our mission of building 100,000 youth centres.
This integrated approach turns your brownfield project into a story of cost-saving, carbon-cutting, and community support and aligns with Sustainability Victoria’s circular economy principles.
ESG, ESD & brownfield strategy: What investors want
Investors are increasingly scrutinising environmental and social outcomes. A sustainable brownfield project contributes directly to a property’s green credentials and can be used to meet NABERS, WELL or Green Star criteria.
Fitouts that perform beyond the physical:
- ESG Reporting: Measurable waste savings, carbon offsets, social outcomes
- Workplace Wellbeing: Modern layouts, natural light, wellness zones
- Resilience: Retrofitted assets often outperform in adaptability
Whether you’re upgrading a manufacturing plant, logistics facility or mixed-use industrial asset, aligning with ESG frameworks is no longer optional, it’s strategic.
This aligns with ESG goals and Green Star standards set by the Green Building Council of Australia.
Integrated fitout expertise: From concept to completion
Brownfield upgrades are complex. They require deep expertise across disciplines:
- Workplace strategy that understands industrial workflow
- Designers who can balance structure with function
- Project managers who thrive in occupied environments
- Contractors who respect budget and delivery timelines
Agero brings all of this under one roof. We don’t just build, we craft, strategise, and simplify.
Why Agero?
- 20+ years of industrial project experience
- ISO-accredited systems for quality, safety and environment
- Boutique service with big-firm capability
- Deep understanding of Melbourne’s fitout and industrial landscape
- Fixed price transparency + stakeholder engagement
The Agero promise: Seamless delivery, sustainable impact
Every brownfield project is a chance to create value: financial, environmental, and social. Agero turns outdated sites into modern, compliant, inspiring spaces that support your people and operations.
- No budget blowouts thanks to our D+C fixed price model
- No downtime chaos due to live-environment delivery
- No sustainability greenwashing, we prove our impact through data and action
From sustainable stripouts to award-winning fitouts, Agero helps clients raise the bar across their portfolio.
Ready to reimagine your space?
Don’t demolish what you can transform. Let Agero show you what’s possible with your existing industrial asset.
Explore:
- Industrial Fitouts
- Our Capability Statements
- Contact Agero for a custom brownfield upgrade plan
