A new 16-storey $600 million Health Translation Hub at the junction between University of New South Wales’ Kensington Campus and Randwick Hospitals Campus has begun construction.
Architectus and Aspect Studios were appointed design of the facility, which will be linked to the adjacent Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital via a skybridge.
The vision for the hub is to improve health outcomes in the community by bringing educational and medical researchers, clinicians, educators, industry partners and public health officials together in one location to support the translation of innovative research and education into enhanced patient care and treatment.
New South Wales premier Chris Minns said medical research is an essential part of providing world-class healthcare.
“This project will enable the rapid translation of research and education into improved patient care and better community health outcomes. We look forward to seeing this collaboration come to fruition,” he said.
Architectus and Aspect Studios have responded to the solar exposure of the site by incorporating shading hoods and insulated panels onto the facade of the building. The tower has been designed to be flexible in terms of use, with the ground level able to be leased by like-minded industry partners.
As part of the development, 2,500-square-metres of north-facing open public space will be established to provide a place of respite for staff, students and visitors to unwind.
The project is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating, with the design incorporating energy efficient technology.
The long-term development partnership involves the Plenary Health consortium funding, developing and operating the 35,600-square-metre facility. The partneship is supported by a 20-year commitment from UNSW to occupy 65 per cent of the space, with the remaining space available to industry partners.
UNSW’s provost scientia professor Vlado Perkovic said the facility will realise the university’s aspiration to advance health by working in partnership with leading healthcare institutions.
“Healthcare is ripe for transformation,” Perkovic said, “through our dynamic collaborations with government, industry and leading academia, we will catalyse and drive breakthrough innovations and address our future healthcare needs.”
Plenary Group managing director Sergio Calcarao said they are proud to deliver a project that combines Plenary’s experience in facilitating life science projects and precincts with UNSW’s expertise in health research and education.
“Our experience in delivering on the promise of complex projects here and abroad makes us ideally placed to deliver on the university’s vision,” Mr Calcarao said.
Construction is due to be completed in 2025.
Source: Architecture - architectureau