Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: "$66M La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science construction contract awarded to Watpac"

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Artists impression of the LIMS building

Artists impression of the LIMS building

Abstract:
Watpac to undertake construction of a prestigious, technically challenging project for La Trobe University

$66M La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science construction contract awarded to Watpac

Sydney | Posted on February 22nd, 2011

Watpac's (ASX: WTP) Construction division has been awarded the $66 million construction contract for the prestigious La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science (LIMS) project in Victoria.

Watpac has earned a reputation for successfully delivering a range of highly complex and technically challenging science-based facilities in recent years, with many of the facilities focused on life-saving medical research

The LIMS project, which has an overall value of $93 million, will be an iconic new building creating a world-class facility for molecular science, biotechnology and nanotechnology research, teaching and learning.

Located at the La Trobe University Melbourne campus, the building will form the nucleus of the Faculty of Science and will provide research environments that will both attract and support mid-career scientists.

The project comprises approximately 11,000m2 of new teaching and research laboratories over six levels, plus associated connection works to adjacent buildings, external landscaping and civil works and campus service connection works.

The three levels of teaching laboratories will include associated support spaces, and a ground level lecture theatre and ‘equipment barn'. The upper three levels will comprise research laboratories and associated academic and general staff office spaces.

LIMS has been designed by leading university architects Lyons, and is designed to have a high level of transparency allowing users and visitors to view the teaching and research spaces.

Construction will begin in February 2011, with the project anticipated to be delivered in late 2012.

The project adds to the Company's impressive portfolio of science and medical research projects, which includes the $360 million Knowledge Based Research and Business Project—Ecosciences and Health and Food Sciences Precincts in Brisbane, the $134 million Queensland Institute of Medical Research Smart State Medical Research Centre, the $80 million Cochlear Global Headquarters facility at Macquarie University in Sydney, and the $56 million Queensland Brain Institute.

Greg Kempton, Watpac Managing Director, said the Company was looking forward to working on the unique and technically challenging project.

"Scientific and medical research projects such as LIMS offer our team members the opportunity to use their skills on extremely complex projects that require a high level of intricacy," Mr Kempton said.

"LIMS is an exciting project that provides new challenges for our experienced staff, and those who are newer to the construction industry, and the opportunity for all employees to expand on their skills.

"I am very pleased Watpac will be a major part of realising La Trobe University's vision of becoming a world leader in molecular science research, and we are looking forward to delivering this world-class facility for the next generation of leading scientists."

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About Watpac
Watpac is an ASX-listed company specialising in construction, civil engineering and mining, specialty services (including refurbishments), and property development. We have offices in Brisbane, Townsville, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth.

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