The University of Melbourne and its partners are one step closer to developing Australia’s leading innovation precinct, receiving planning approval from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). The University of Melbourne purchased the former Royal Women’s Hospital site in 2012 and announced in 2017 a partnership with a consortium led by Lendlease to redevelop it. Early works commenced in November 2017 and construction is expected to commence in mid-2018 for completion in 2020. The new precinct will host researchers, companies, government bodies and community members from different backgrounds and disciplines who will work together to develop innovative solutions to society’s biggest challenges. University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Jim McCluskey said by enhancing research and education, the precinct will support the vi... more

A new era for engineering students at The University of Western Australia is a step closer with a ground-breaking event to mark the start of construction of EZONE UWA. The investment in EZONE UWA is an essential part of the vision to make the Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences one of the world’s best and has been enabled by the support of industry, including major partners BHP and Woodside Energy, and alumni donors. The Student Hub will include three science laboratories, 11 teaching rooms, a café, and office space for 150 higher degree students. It relies on passive solar design and has outdoor shaded study spaces with high-speed wi-fi. UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater said it would transform the campus. “Engineering is a significant part of UWA’s history, and was one of the University’s three inaugural faculties in 1911. Since then, the U... more

Multiplex, a leading global contractor, has reached a major construction milestone ‘topping out’ the $81 million Biomedical Learning and Teaching Building for Monash University at its Clayton campus in Victoria. Designed by high-profile architects Denton Corker Marshall, the new building spans four levels, plus a lower ground floor and roof plantroom, and will provide a total of 11,400 square metres of state-of-the-art learning space for Biomedical Science students. “We are delighted to have reached this key construction milestone on schedule and continue our ongoing collaboration with Monash University,” said Graham Cottam, Regional Managing Director Multiplex Victoria. “This building is just one of the groundbreaking aspects of the new Learning and Teaching precinct and we are proud to play a pivotal role in delivering the University’s vision for higher education t... more

UNSW is excited to announce the completion of the refurbishment of the iconic Roundhouse. The Roundhouse has been the venue of choice for the biggest music acts for nearly six decades, and now the venue has undergone extensive refurbishments to deliver an unrivalled experience for a range of events. Prominently situated on the lower part of the Kensington campus, close to Anzac Parade, High Street and University Mall, the refurbishment of the Roundhouse has improved the building’s functionality and created an enhanced social environment for the campus. Andrew Walters, Vice-President, Finance and Operations at UNSW said: “The completion of the Roundhouse will enhance the vibrancy of the University and students’ overall experiences. This is the first of many planned campus improvements that will help increase social engagement for students and the wider community.” Lead... more

The $103 million Brisbane Casino Tower development in South Brisbane has topped out at 105 metres , achieving a significant milestone and contributing to the revitalisation of one of Brisbane’s highest growth areas. Multiplex Regional Managing Director for Queensland Graham Cottam said the company was excited to be contributing to the urban renewal of South Brisbane. “Now that we have reached our highest point, we can really see the transformative impact Brisbane Casino Towers will have on this area of Brisbane,” Mr Cottam said. “We’re delighted to have achieved this important milestone for Metro Property Development and are looking forward to handing over a fantastic building later this year,” he said. Construction on the tower commenced in late October 2015 and topped out on the 2 March 2018. Almost 2,000 people have worked on-site during this time. The site�... more

Turf Design Studio in collaboration with Environmental Partnership has been awarded both the Civic Trust Award and The Special Award for Sustainability at Europe’s longest running awards program for the built environment, the 59th Civic Trust Awards. The Civic Trust Awards celebrate exceptional architecture, urban design, public realm and public art projects from around the world. Presented at the awards ceremony on Friday 9th March at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, UK, the Civic Trust Award recognises projects that make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment, demonstrating excellence in design, while also being sustainable, accessible and provide a positive civic contribution. Three Special Awards were also given to projects that have demonstrated outstanding credentials in specific areas, including favourite scheme of the year,... more

Shepparton Law Courts was unveiled today in Shepparton, Victoria by the Honourable Martin Pakula MP, Attorney-General. The striking five-level building’s innovative design reflects key international trends that are considered significantly important in modern law court design. Architectus Director and lead designer behind the project, Mark Wilde, says utmost importance was placed on making the courts a welcoming environment, especially given many people within will be going through trying circumstances. As a result, Shepparton’s famous Red River Gum tree was used as an inspiration behind the entrance lobby design, with timber used as a primary material, coupled with curved ceilings and perforated light throughout. The air-conditioning has even been programmed to feel like a natural breeze. "First and foremost, a court building needs to be a welcoming facility. Courts can be... more

When the Victorian branch of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) moved into its brand-new and purpose-built 10-storey building, it marked a major milestone for Victoria’s largest union and its over 80,000 members. Prior to this, the union had been operating from premises it purchased in 1993. Despite expanding into the building next door in 2003 and adding three floors to the original building in 2010, it had quickly outgrown its existing facilities. The ANMF Victorian Branch had a vision for a new workplace and education facility and appointed project management experts Montlaur to realise their requirements. Montlaur director Lucy Symington, lead project manager on the ANMF Victorian Branch build, explains the process, which began with extensive consultation. “We met with a full cross-section of the organisation and heard about their current challenges a... more