Watpac Construction awarded Translational Research Institute project
Announcement posted by Watpac Limited 12 May 2010
Watpac Construction has been awarded the construction of the $195 million prestigious Translational Research Institute (TRI) at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) in Brisbane.
The Translational Research Institute will be a first for Australia. The 32,000 square metre building will be one of the southern hemisphere’s largest facilities of its kind, and one of only a few places in the world where new biopharmaceuticals and treatments can be discovered, produced, clinically tested, and manufactured in one location that is not for the benefit of a single commercial entity.
The seven-storey building comprises four floors of laboratory research space plus space for research support facilities, administration and teaching. A bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing facility will be constructed adjacent the main TRI building.
The TRI will combine the strengths of Queensland’s leading translational researchers from the Princess Alexandra Hospital, the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, the Mater Medical Research Institute and the Queensland Government and will house more than 600 researchers.
Located at Queensland’s second largest hospital, it will combine academic medicine and translational research, in order to minimise the time between a laboratory discovery and its effective application in the clinic and the community.
Watpac Managing Director, Greg Kempton said Watpac was extremely pleased to be awarded the contract for the TRI building and that the award reflected Watpac’s strength in delivering complex and high quality research institutes.
“As a company with strong roots in Queensland we are delighted to be able to participate in this high-profile project which will directly benefit Queensland and Australia.
“The benefits of this project are two-fold - through the immediate provision of jobs to the local community and the Australian researchers - and the long term benefits of having such an important facility based in Australia,” said Mr Kempton
“Through our immediate experience on similar large laboratory complexes Watpac will bring to the project the most current and relevant technical knowledge and a skilled team who will ensure the construction of the TRI building is a success,” said Mr Kempton.
The Translational Research Institute is set to open in 2012, with the BioPharmaceuticals Australia facility said to commence manufacturing by 2013.1
Watpac’s Construction division has built itself an enviable reputation of delivering highly complex and specialised health and laboratory facilities. Current and recent projects include the: Ecosciences Precinct at Boggo Road, Dutton Park; QIMR Smart State Medical Research Institute at the Royal Brisbane Hospital; Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland; Health & Food Sciences Precinct at Coopers Plains; Australian Tropical Sciences and Innovation Precinct in Townsville, and; Cochlear Global Headquarters in NSW.
About Watpac
Watpac is an ASX-listed company specialising in construction, civil engineering and mining, specialty services (including refurbishments), and property development. We have offices in Brisbane, Townsville, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. More information can be found at www.watpac.com.au
About the Translational Research Institute
The Translational Research Institute - ‘translating laboratory success into benefits for patients’ - is a major step forward in growing Australia’s research capacity. The TRI facility will have the capacity to develop vaccines and drugs to market stage. It aims to be a “one stop shop” for health research, clinical trials and drug manufacture, creating breakthroughs and drugs of global importance.
TRI is a joint venture between the University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland University of Technology, Mater Medical Research Institute and the Queensland Government and has received funding from both State and Federal Governments.