| Client | Starward Distillery |
| Project | Starward Distillery Upgrade |
| Location | Port Melbourne |
| Principal Contractor | BIO Construct |
| Contract Type | Fixed Lump Sum |
| Build Year | 2020 |
| Duration | 4 Months |
| Project Value | $2.4 Million |
| Contract Value | $2.4 Million |
| Project Type | Distillery Upgrade |
Business Overview
Starward is a flagship whisky producer and hospitality destination located in Port Melbourne, Victoria. As a working urban distillery, Starward crafts award-winning Australian whisky using locally sourced grains and red wine barrels from nearby wine regions. Melbourne’s dynamic climate plays a key role in accelerating and enriching the maturation process.
At its Bertie Street site, Starward offers immersive experiences including guided distillery tours, tastings, masterclasses and “fill your own bottle” sessions, alongside a contemporary bar and food offering. The venue also operates as a vibrant event space for private functions and corporate events, blending whisky education with social and culinary experiences. Starward has gained international recognition for innovation in whisky making and is a celebrated name within Australia’s craft spirits industry.
Project Scope & Responsibilities
BIO Construct was engaged to design and deliver a major upgrade to Starward’s existing Port Melbourne facility. Central to the project was the construction of a new mezzanine platform wrapping seamlessly around newly installed tanks, silos, mills and the stills — the heart of the whisky production process.
Working closely with Sam Slaney and the Starward team was critical to the project’s success. With no fixed “recipe” for configuring a whisky production environment, flexibility and collaboration were essential. Each element of the layout required detailed coordination to ensure functionality, efficiency and compliance while supporting a unique and evolving production process.
In addition to the mezzanine structure, BIO Construct:
- Constructed a new FRP mezzanine and walkway system, including structural elements
- Integrated platforms around tanks, silos, mills and stills
- Installed a new external steam plant
- Delivered a new production office
- Coordinated services integration within a live operational facility
Gallery
Key Highlights & Challenges
Delivering the upgrade within a live, fully operational distillery presented significant complexity. Construction works were carefully staged to prioritise safety and minimise disruption, particularly given the on-site storage of flammable products.
Ground conditions in the Port Melbourne area introduced further challenges, with sub-base and soil conditions requiring adaptive engineering solutions and responsive decision-making throughout the build.
A major design focus was future-proofing the facility. New walkways were retrofitted to ensure safe contractor access and ongoing maintenance capability, while also enhancing the visitor experience by allowing guests to observe and engage with the whisky-making process firsthand.
Despite the complexities, this project stands as a showcase of BIO Construct’s agility and collaborative approach. The result is a high-performing, visually engaging production environment that supports both operational excellence and Starward’s immersive brand experience.