Macquarie University
- Description Australian school of advanced medicine
- Location Macquarie Park
- Sector Learning
- Sub-Sector Education, Health, Medical, Specialist Learning, Workplace
- Specialties Live Environment, Refurbishment
- Contract Type Fixed Lump Sum
- Delivery Method Design and Construct
- Client Macquarie University
- Architect Boffa Robertson Group, DWP Suters
- Photographer Grindley
The refurbishment of the Australian School of Advanced Medicine (ASAM) laboratories has strengthened Macquarie University’s research capability, delivering contemporary facilities that support advanced medical research, teaching and innovation. Located within the Macquarie University Hospital precinct, the refurbishment expanded laboratory capacity while enabling researchers and academics to continue their critical work throughout construction.
Delivered across four carefully sequenced stages, the project transformed existing office and laboratory spaces into a range of specialised research environments. Works included the construction of new general laboratories, radioactivity rooms, analytical laboratories, tissue culture rooms, electro cell slice rooms, fish rooms and supporting access corridors, creating flexible and highly functional spaces tailored to the University’s evolving research requirements.
A key challenge was delivering the refurbishment within a live PC2 laboratory and hospital environment. The laboratories remained fully operational throughout construction, requiring meticulous staging, detailed planning and close coordination with researchers, facility managers and hospital stakeholders. Each stage was carefully programmed to allow occupants to relocate into newly completed areas while subsequent works progressed, ensuring continuity of research activities and minimising disruption to sensitive operations.
The project incorporated significant laboratory upgrades, including the conversion of existing office accommodation into certified PC2 and QC2 laboratory environments. Works involved extensive demolition, new floor, wall and ceiling finishes, specialist laboratory furniture and services infrastructure to meet the stringent requirements of contemporary biomedical research. The staged delivery approach enabled the progressive expansion and enhancement of the facility while maintaining operational integrity across the building.
The completed refurbishment provides Macquarie University with modern, purpose-built research facilities that support leading medical and scientific research. By combining technical laboratory expertise with the careful management of an operational healthcare environment, the project has delivered infrastructure that will support future innovation, collaboration and discovery for years to come.