News

University's Bio21 Institute building gets underway

Media Release, Friday 24 May 2002

The University of Melbourne has awarded the construction contract for its $100 million Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology building to Baulderstone Hornibrook Pty Ltd.

Construction has commenced on the Institute building which abuts Flemington Road, University High School and the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Completion of the building is expected in early 2004.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, Professor Alan Gilbert, said today he is looking forward to Premier Steve Bracks and his ministerial colleagues joining him in a formal launch of the construction stage of the Bio21 Institute building on his return from the Bio2002 conference in Toronto next month.

Professor Gilbert welcomed the Victorian Government's recognition of the importance of the Bio21 project. "The whole idea of Bio21 is collaboration between university researchers, medical research institutes, health professionals, pharmaceutical companies and venture capitalists in the development of a biotechnology industry of genuine international scale and significance," he said.

"The Bracks Government is to be commended for its foresight in promoting and facilitating such strategic collaborations."

The Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology building is located on the University's Western Precinct in Parkville. It will provide 23,000 square metres of floor space, fully fitted out for University of Melbourne biotechnology research teams, and providing a full range of services to students, scientists, biotechnology developers and associated industries. It will also be linked to major research hospitals and institutions and will accommodate biotechnology-focussed research institutes associated with the University

An existing building on the site will be refurbished as incubator space for small start-up companies.

The Bio21 Institute is equity-funded with no borrowings.

Mr Hedley Davis of Baulderstone Hornibrook said today that the company was pleased to be associated with the construction of the Bio21 Institute which will would contribute to Victoria's economic prosperity. "The construction phase alone will create 500 jobs in the building industry," he said.