Featured Project: Vet Sciences Building at Melbourne University, Werribee

The Location

Our featured project of the month is located at The University of Melbourne’s Werribee Campus, where key infrastructure for Veterinary Sciences is undergoing redevelopment. The Werribee campus is a famous host to an animal hospital as well as world-class veterinary training and academic research. The facilities also host a special equine centre. During redevelopment, the animal hospital will continue its operations, providing full service for its animal patients.

The Players

The bid for redevelopment was won by top tier builders, Kane, who are also completing a sister project, Western Edge Bioscience (WEBS) Project, at the University of Melbourne’s main campus. Melbourne Veterinary School Head Professor Ted Whittem says the Werribee project will accommodate the needs of the trainers, scientists and the animal patients who will be using the facilities. The project team consists of consultants Donald Cant Watts Corke, John Mullen & Partners, Billard Leece Partnership, Umow Lai & Associates and Jacobs.

The Project

The Werribee redevelopment project, worth $63 million, will enhance facilities for pet treatment and for training future veterinarians. For example, the new training facility will feature world class laboratories plus extra consultation space. The animal hospital will better cater for animal needs and reduce stress, with separate waiting areas, consultation rooms and treatment areas for different animal types.

The learning and teaching facilities will comprise of a new five storey building veterinary preclinical and clinical skills training. The redevelopment will also include a new hospital entry, a café, landscaped gardens and more parking for visitors and clients. Improved access will better connect the campus with outside areas. The Werribee redevelopment will meet and surpass the University of Melbourne’s sustainability targets, as the refurbished hospital will have a 4 Star equivalent Green Star rating and the new building will have a 5 Star Green Star ‘As Built’ Certification.

The Timeline

Both the Werribee and its sister project at the main campus are now under way, with both projects due for completion by 2019.

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