Did you know that Waterloo could soon have a new, $490-million life sciences precinct? The new development will mark a significant step towards establishing Australia’s first commercialised life sciences campus.
The project (D/2024/937), led by Kurraba Group, aims to advance medical and health sciences research while creating thousands of jobs in the region.
Project Scope and Development Timeline
The precinct, which will span 26,000 square metres at 74-108 Botany Road and 86-100 Wyndham Street, will feature advanced laboratories, collaborative research spaces, and commercial infrastructure. If planning approvals proceed as expected, construction could commence by early 2025.
The design includes:
- A stepped building along Botany Road, ranging from seven to eleven storeys.
- A five-storey research facility on Wyndham Street.
- A Proton Therapy Cancer Treatment Centre, providing advanced cancer treatment options.
The project was designed by Gensler, a global architecture firm that won the Architect’s Design Excellence Competition. The campus incorporates sustainability principles and acknowledges the First Nations heritage of the area.
Economic and Employment Impact
The precinct is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for Waterloo and surrounding areas.
- 1,200 jobs are anticipated during the construction phase.
- 1,700 long-term positions will be created once the precinct is fully operational.
- Proximity to Royal Prince Alfred and St Vincent’s hospitals, as well as major universities including the University of Sydney, UNSW, and UTS, will encourage collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and students.
With Australia’s life sciences industry expanding by 43% since 2019, according to Austrade, this precinct is expected to attract investment, retain research talent, and enhance Sydney’s global position in medical research.
Community Concerns and Local Impact
Despite its economic and scientific benefits, the project has raised concerns among local residents.
- Some have highlighted construction-related disruptions, including noise, vibration, dust, and congestion.
- Others have expressed worries over privacy, overshadowing, and the impact on existing homes.
Residents have called for a balanced assessment of the project’s benefits and challenges, urging the City of Sydney to consider the implications for long-term community members.
Strengthening Australia’s Medical Research Industry
Kurraba Group has positioned the development as a major step in Australia’s life sciences growth, aiming to accelerate research and commercialisation efforts. The precinct is expected to provide purpose-built facilities to retain Australian intellectual property and medical advancements, rather than seeing them developed offshore.
This project aligns with the Botany Road Precinct Vision, a broader redevelopment strategy that was introduced in 2022. The rezoning initiative aims to add 280,000 square metres of commercial floor space and create 14,500 jobs, making the area a major centre for knowledge-based industries.
Next Steps
The City of Sydney’s Central Planning Committee is set to make a final decision on the project in the coming weeks. If approved, Waterloo will become a leading location for medical research and biotechnology, supporting Australia’s role in scientific innovation and commercial development.
Published 15-Feb-2025