A $490-million life sciences research campus, set to transform Alexandria into a hub for medical and health innovation, has been proposed by specialist developer Kurraba Group.
Development Details and Timeline
The proposed development (D/2024/937) will span a significant site at 74-108 Botany Road and 86-100 Wyndham Street. The project, which also includes a separate five-storey office building, is expected to cost $219 million for its main research facilities and an additional $21 million for the office space.
Construction could commence as early as the first quarter of 2025, pending planning approvals.
Campus Design and Features
The campus will consist of two research buildings designed to house advanced laboratories, patient care facilities, and support spaces for life sciences companies.
One building, along Botany Road, will feature a stepped design ranging from seven to eleven storeys, while another five-storey building will sit along Wyndham Street. Basement levels will accommodate a Proton Therapy Cancer Treatment Centre, a cutting-edge facility aimed at improving cancer care options.
Global architectural firm Gensler, which won the NSW Government Architect’s Design Excellence Competition for the project, designed the campus with sustainability and community health outcomes in mind. The design reflects the First Nations history and incorporates principles of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Community and Economic Impact
Kurraba Group estimates the campus will create 850 full-time equivalent jobs within its facilities and a broader 1,700 positions across the entire project. During construction, 1,200 jobs are expected to be generated, providing a significant economic boost to the local area.
The development is strategically located near major hospitals such as Royal Prince Alfred and St Vincent’s, and universities including the University of Sydney, UNSW, and UTS. This proximity aims to facilitate collaboration between researchers, medical professionals, and students, centralising life sciences expertise in Alexandria.
Driving Innovation in Life Sciences
The campus would strengthen Australia’s ability to commercialise life sciences research domestically, reducing the risk of intellectual property being lost offshore. The site is positioned as a dedicated facility to support the growing demand for laboratory and office space in Sydney’s life sciences sector.
The project comes at a time of rapid growth for Australia’s life sciences industry, which has expanded by 43 per cent since 2019, according to Austrade. With a focus on biotechnology and gene therapies, the Alexandria campus is designed to attract talent and investment, contributing to Australia’s position as a leader in the Asia-Pacific region.
Nick Smith, Kurraba’s chief executive, stated that the project is a significant milestone for Sydney’s health and innovation precincts. He added that purpose-built facilities like this campus could catalyse the commercialisation of local innovations, benefiting both the Australian market and global communities.
Supporting the Botany Road Precinct Vision
The Alexandria site is part of the Botany Road Precinct, which has been earmarked for transformation into a vibrant commercial and research district. The precinct’s rezoning is expected to add 280,000 square metres of commercial floor space and up to 14,500 jobs.
Botany Road Precinct was rezoned in 2022 to accommodate commercial growth alongside the new Waterloo Metro station.
Kurraba’s proposal aligns with this vision, ensuring Alexandria becomes a focal point for knowledge-based employment in health and medical research.
Published 31-Dec-2024
