Charter Hall receives approval for Western Sydney University new research precinct

Charter Hall and Western Sydney University have won approval for the first stages of their $350m Innovation Quarter precinct at Westmead.

The project will create a hub for innovation in health, education, research and business. The two mixed-use towers at iQ will span about 28,000sq m, part of a series of commercial towers being built in Sydney’s western suburbs.

Western Sydney University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, said the world-class ‘Innovation Quarter’ development will create an environment for strategic research partnerships, collaborations with government and industry, and facilitate significant health, social and economic benefits for Western Sydney.

Western Sydney Uni will take a 15 year lease for approx 50% of the leasable area in the first stage of the project.

“As a medical and health research epicentre, the Innovation Quarter will be a place for researchers, industry partners and clinicians to come together to address the nation’s most pressing health challenges,” said Professor Glover.

“It will become the home for Western Sydney University’s world-leading research institutes – the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development; the Translational Health Research Institute; and the NICM Health Research Institute.

The Innovation Quarter is part of Western Sydney University’s ‘Western Growth’ strategy – an ambitious program of works that is reshaping the University’s campus network and co-creating cities and transformative educational infrastructure across the Western Sydney region in partnership with industry, government and higher education providers.

Charter Hall’s Head of Office Development, Andrew Borger, commented on the joint venture development: “Charter Hall and Western Sydney University are well placed to deliver a world-class mixed-use precinct including leading research, health and commercial institutions, underpinned by a diverse retail offering, in the heart of Sydney.

“With one third of Sydney’s labour market in science, health, engineering, mathematics and IT located in Westmead, this new visionary development is the catalyst to transform the area into Australia’s most advanced innovation district.”

The new joint-venture development is Charter Hall’s third collaboration with Western Sydney University. These projects comprise the Engineering Innovation Hub located at Hassall St, Parramatta in partnership with WSU and UNSW Sydney, and the successful partnership with the University to deliver its high-rise the Peter Shergold Building at  located at Parramatta Square.

Richard Crookes Constructions has been appointed as the construction partner to deliver the project. Practical completion of the project is scheduled for Q4 2021.