Melbourne Skyfarm to offer event space

A large section of a 2,000sqm rooftop car park in Melbourne, Australia has been transformed into an urban farm. Over the next 12 months this new rooftop city oasis will offer sustainable and contemporary hospitality sites, environmental education as well as business conference facilities and event spaces. Named Melbourne Skyfarm, the car park is located in the emerging Seafarer’s precinct and directly overlooks the Yarra River to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The Melbourne Skyfarm has received support of an AUD$300,000 (US$215,000) grant by the City of Melbourne Urban Forest Fund, which represents about 10% of the project’s overall budget. The site is expected to host thousands of school students annually, offering immersive education experiences on sustainable living, regenerative practices and protection and restoration of nature. The site will demonstrate how to grow fresh produce and incorporate nature into city spaces. Peter King, chief executive of MCEC, added: “We acknowledge the obligation we have to reduce our demand on the planet’s finite resources and, through the opening of Skyfarm, we are sending a message that we can and will do more for our community and the environment.” Brendan Condon, director of the Skyfarm, said: “Melbourne Skyfarm aims to be a wonderful platform to showcase what is possible for sustainable cities embracing the future, showcasing Australian designed and manufactured urban farming systems to demonstrate the huge food growing potential that exists in cities if we harness good design, urban farming innovation and circular economy principles.” Melbourne Skyfarm has been initiated by a group of Melbourne-based sustainability companies including urban farming company Biofilta, The Sustainable Landscape Company and nature regeneration and protection group Odonata, with the support of MCEC and City of Melbourne Urban Forest Fund.