A $206 million design and construct contract has been awarded to Watpac Limited for the Australian Catholic University’s (ACU) Saint Teresa of Kolkata Building in Melbourne.
Located on the edge of the city at ACU’s campus in Fitzroy, the project includes construction of a new 13 storey tower with roof-top sports courts, above a seven-level basement on Victoria Parade.
Designed by Lyons Architects, the Saint Teresa of Kolkata Building is set to include centralised teaching facilities and informal learning spaces, a library, congregational hub and shared facilities for staff and students.
Watpac will also build three additional levels above the existing heritage-listed Mary Glowrey Building, which will feature staff workspace access via new lifts from the lower levels, with stair access supporting floor to floor staff circulation within the staff focussed levels.
Watpac Construction Victoria State Manager, Nick Pavlovic, said the project will see an existing ground level car park transformed into a state-of-the-art 20,000 square metre teaching, learning and research space.
“Not only are we delivering a new 13 level facility for ACU, but we will be transforming the adjacent existing structure, so the project will truly enhance the campus and its teaching spaces.”
He said the team will deliver innovative solutions for the project due to the nature of the build which will feature a seven-level basement with a grout curtain to manage groundwater issues.
ACU Chief Operating Officer, Dr Stephen Weller said it is an important campus development which is part of a larger plan to accommodate student and staff growth at the University’s Melbourne Campus, and provide the best possible facilities for teaching, learning and research.
The building works, which will commence next month, have been funded from the proceeds of the ACU Sustainability Bond issued by the University last year – the first Sustainability Bond issued in Australia. Construction is anticipated to be completed by mid-2022.