News

Innova 21 – the new Engineering precinct

1st May 2007

Total cost: $98.9 million

This important Faculty (ECMS) is predicted to grow by 37% over the period 2003-2011. There is already pressure on its teaching, learning and research facilities with the current 2700 students, a figure that will grow to nearly 3400 by 2011.

The Mathematics building, to be demolished as part of the project, is 60 years old, inefficient and does not meet current Building Code of Australia requirements. Moreover, the nature of its space means it does not provide a modern learning environment. Even if extensive refurbishment was completed, the building would still only provide 2,100 sqm of floor space on a site that has potential to yield 11094 sqm.

At its March 2007 meeting, the University Council approved the ‘maximum development’ new Engineering Building consistent with the University’s urban design framework, space allocation benchmarks and the needs of the students, teachers and researchers.

The approved proposal of the nine level development offers one floor as a lower ground floor reducing the overall height. The eighth floor is set back on its northern face to allow the building to articulate better with the surrounding buildings.

The New Engineering Building overcomes all the previously identified shortcomings and also allows:

• Relocation of the School of Computer Science from its current inadequate and inefficient underground accommodation, co-locating it in the Faculty;
• Compliance with Disability Discrimination Act requirements;
• Provision of convenient access for students to major resources and support facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week;
• Provision of a three level link to the Engineering Maths Building and an atrium link to the Engineering North Building with improved lifts;
• Ability to meet up to a 5.5 star Environmental Sustainable Design rating;
  Provision of 11094 sqm new Net Lettable Area and;
• Release of 2,500 sqm of floor space to support the creation of a Learning Hub around Hughes Plaza.

It is important to view the need for this particular project within the following contexts:

1. The University’s commitment to support federal, state and local government initiatives in disciplines identified as Areas of National Importance. This includes Engineering and Computing and others listed on the Migration Occupations in Demand List.
2. The overall growth of the University (25%) and its existing severe space constraints and the predicted growth for ECMS (37%).
3. The absolute need for facilities that are modern, functional, efficient and, in particular, more environmentally friendly.

This $98.9 million project offers the University in general and ECMS in particular much needed additional space within which to offer Australian and overseas students a world-class learning experience.

The Project is scheduled to be completed by first semester, 2010.

New Engineering Precinct Development

For further information contact Property Services on 8303 5701.