Planning approved for Australia’s leading innovation precinct

The University of Melbourne is 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 November 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 vision of Melbourne as a ‘Knowledge City’ and play an important role within the Melbourne Innovation Districts.

“Innovation emerges from vibrant and collaborative environments where people are encouraged to share skills and ideas as they work and socialise together,” Professor McCluskey said.

The precinct will be ideally located adjacent to the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus, which hosts some of the world’s top researchers, and within close proximity to the Melbourne CBD.

Responding to the highest standards of design and sustainability, it will have the tools, platforms and services to create an ecosystem where start-ups emerge and cutting-edge products and services are developed.

Composed of a series of connecting buildings arranged around a central publicly-accessible open space, the precinct will offer xx sqm of co-working and commercial office space, a Fab Lab (fabrication laboratory) and a ‘superfloor’ event and collaboration facilities to foster the exchange of ideas. Lendlease’s quote about design

University of Melbourne Vice-Principal Policy and Projects, Dr Julie Wells, said that the precinct will be a place for the local community to live, work and exchange through a vast program of events such as hackathons, workshops, exhibitions and social events.

It will also host shops, cafes, public spaces, accommodation for graduate students and visiting academics, a childcare centre and Science Gallery Melbourne – which will deliver a cutting-edge program of exhibitions, events and experiences.

This media release is also available on the University of Melbourne Newsroom.

Media enquiries:  Emma Sun | 0466 133 480 | emma.sun@unimelb.edu.au