Office of Major Projects

Current Projects

Learning and Research Centre (Library)

Project value: $92 million
Estimated completion date: End of 2010
OMP Role: Project Manager, Owners Representative
Contact: Anne Warren

Project Details

The new Learning and Research Centre represents a new generation of library design creating a learning and research centre full of dynamic, collaborative and open spaces for learning. It will be the 'jewel in the crown' of the University's academic facilities and will also act as it's new iconic front door and as a transition from the more research and commercial focused areas at the Station and Hearing precincts, into the University Academic Core.

The concept designed by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT), is of a welcoming, transparent, landmark building. The building is to be comprised of 5 levels.

Levels 1 & 2

Access to the Library's collections housed on open shelves or in the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS)
Special spaces for presentation practice
Adaptive technologies
Exhibition areas
Café

Levels 3, 4 & 5

Houses a variety of work spaces for staff and students and will be accessible 24/7 through a separate staircase and foyer.

The Roof

The roof is a special feature of the sustainable design as more than 50% of Level 2 is below ground. The roof area will be landscaped and returned to the University community at the completion of the project.

Older libraries have by necessity focused on accommodation of the physical library collection – however this new facility will take a fresh approach to delivering a 21st Century learning and research environment by creating a space for the University community. In support of this and as part of the University's focus on sustainability, Macquarie will be the first in Australia to install ASRS for library use.

The new building will enrich campus life by delivering a facility that will not only give access to university library services but will also provide state of the art learning, research and social spaces.

The new Learning and Research Centre is the first project in the revitalisation of the Academic Core and will deliver a new environment to support learning and teaching. It will underpin the University's aspiration to become a world class research facility and to maintain our culture of innovation and our commitment to sustainability.

The OMP is providing project management services as the Owner's Representative and are in the process of finalising negotiations with HKS from the USA for the ASRS and AW Edwards as the preferred construction contractor for building design and construction. Early works commenced in December 2008.

This $92 million project is a complex project that will deliver greater than 16,900m² of gross floor area and will be completed towards the end of 2010 for use by staff and students in the beginning of the academic year 2011.

Project Updates

October 2009

Level 3 and 4 suspended slab formwork is now in place and work has commenced on forming level 5 slab. Completion of concrete placement to level 3 and 4 slabs are programmed to be complete by the end of October 2009. The contractor is targeting to have the building structure completed by the end of the year. Services design and infrastructure works are continuing.