About the project

Renewal SA is at the forefront of defence innovation, spearheading the creation of Australia's first Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) for Boeing 737-variant military aircraft in Penfield, South Australia.

Strategically located as an extension of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Edinburgh Base, the $200 million facility is revolutionising how military aircraft are maintained and modified, enhancing Australia’s sovereign capabilities.

South Australia was nominated as the preferred location for the DMMF in 2021, and the State Government, through Renewal SA, worked collaboratively with the Commonwealth Department of Defence (Defence) on this project.

The 2.1 hectare facility on Womma Road is being leased to the Commonwealth following Renewal SA’s delivery of warehouses, workshops and offices, including a 240 m-long, 60 m-wide, 25 m-high four-bay hangar that will be used to service the aircraft.

The purpose-built facility is designed to support the long-term maintenance and modification requirements of the Defence Force’s fleet of RAAF P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and RAAF E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.

These Boeing 737 variants have major modification programs scheduled over the latter half of this decade. The DMMF will enable this work to be completed in Australia, fuelling local economic activity and skilled job growth.

The project delivered more than 450 construction jobs during the build and, following opening, will support around 50 new highly skilled defence industry roles, including positions in advanced aircraft maintenance, engineering, avionics and logistics.

Project progress and status

Following an agreement with Defence, the Government of South Australia, through Renewal SA, oversaw the construction of the $200 million facility.

Renewal SA conducted a two-stage market process to appoint the principal contractor for the DMMF. In 2023, an Expression of Interest was released to the market as the first stage in the tender process, followed by a formal Request for Offer. BESIX Watpac was appointed design and construct delivery partner for the facility in April 2024.

Concurrent with the tender process, the development application was assessed by the State Commission Assessment Panel, with development approval granted in 2023.

Following Commonwealth and State approvals, construction commenced on site in 2024.

The DMMF was completed in early 2026, on budget and ahead of schedule.