The new Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building – Macarthur has been granted State Significant Development approval.
The project team is currently reviewing tenders and construction is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Western Sydney University’s facility – to be delivered in partnership with South Western Sydney Local Health District, the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research and UNSW Sydney – will bring together world-leading researchers and clinicians across many disciplines, with a particular focus on the complex health challenges facing the fast-growing region, including mental illness, diabetes, healthcare of Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, paediatrics, and addiction medicine.
A cutting-edge concept design, the five-storey Medical Research Building will be a cornerstone of the multi-million dollar redevelopment of Campbelltown Hospital and the broader Campbelltown Health and Education precinct, and home to the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research – Macarthur.
Located as part of the Campbelltown Hospital Precinct, the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building will provide the infrastructure needed to promote greater scientific, clinical and industry collaboration, deliver cutting-edge diagnostics and innovative healthcare programs, treatments, and therapies, and strengthen patient care.
Western Sydney University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, welcomed the DA approval.
He said: “The Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building – Macarthur will be an internationally-recognised facility that has the health and wellbeing of the fast-growing south-western Sydney region at its heart.
“Together with our alliance partners, we are proud to deliver a dynamic medical education and research hub for our local communities that will be fully integrated with the newly-redeveloped Campbelltown Hospital and will transform the surrounding Campbelltown Health and Education Precinct.
“We are pleased to reach this critical project milestone and we look forward to construction commencing soon.”
Walker Corporation executive chairman Lang Walker AO said he was proud of the Walker Group’s donation of more than $20 million to establish the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building – Macarthur.
Walker said: “What an exciting milestone in our visionary collaboration with our research partners and Western Sydney University as we get the shovels ready to turn the first sod on this state-of-the-art facility, and ultimately deliver vital health solutions to families in south-west Sydney.
“Our project will deliver on our shared vision for a dynamic hub for medical education and research to transform Campbelltown Hospital into an internationally recognised research precinct, fostering greater scientific, clinical and industry collaborations.”
South Western Sydney Local Health District chief executive Amanda Larkin said the new medical research building would be a centrepiece for innovation and research in Sydney’s southwest.
Larkin said: “Creating vital linkages between clinicians, researchers and our educational partners will enable contributions to global research initiatives.
“This in turn will greatly benefit local services through improved knowledge that will help to address the unique needs of the ever-growing, diverse community we serve.
Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research chairman Terry Goldacre said they were proud to be a partner on this important ‘next chapter’ as the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research expands their medical research across south west Sydney.
Goldacre added: “Ingham Institute – Macarthur will be another centre of excellence, adding to Ingham Institute – Liverpool, and growing our research and commercialisation capabilities.
“We will continue to connect our clinicians and researchers with local and global industry to accelerate cutting edge health solutions supported by our world-class clinical trials capabilities.”
UNSW’s vice-chancellor and president Professor Attila Brungs said the new building will offer greater opportunities for collaboration.
Brungs said: “In partnership, and building on our significant health, education and research presence in Greater Western Sydney, the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building – Macarthur will help address some of the biggest health challenges facing the region.
“This is a momentous milestone for all of us who are working together to improve health for the Macarthur community.”
The Lang Walker AO Medical research Building – Macarthur is designed by award winning Australian architects BVN, with a commitment to achieving 5 Star certification from the Green Building Council of Australia.
Due to open in 2024, the $47.5 million building will be a world-class medical education and research facility that will enable local researchers to address the region’s unique health challenges and improve health outcomes for the people of southwest Sydney.
