Australian Institute for Infectious Disease one step closer

The Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID) has appointed Kane Constructions as the early works contractor in the development of its Melbourne research facility, the largest infectious disease centre in the Southern Hemisphere.

The $650 million facility will accommodate services aimed at preventing, containing, preparing for and responding to infectious diseases and pandemics. The centre is to be established at 766-780 Elizabeth Street and 213-223 Berkely Street in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, nestled among institutions such as the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Illumina and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

The centre is designed by Wardle with Wilson Architects, international workplace specialist Studio O+A and laboratory specialist Perkins and Will. The centre will comprise high-containment laboratories, a human infection challenge unit, areas for robotic bio-banking, vaccine development facilities, dry laboratories, interview rooms and spaces for industry engagement and partnerships.

The building will be physically linked - across multiple levels - to its neighbour the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, designed by Grimshaw and Billard Leece Partnership.

Kane Constructions will prepare the site for development, as well as demolish four existing buildings. The early and enabling works will prioritise sustainability, including diverting at least 90 percent of materials from landfill.

University of Melbourne chief operating officer Paul Axup said it has taken a substantial amount of work spanning several years to get the project to the its current stage.

"Now in 2024, we are thrilled to engage Kane Constructions to lead the enabling and early works that will kick-off on-site activity and really bring this project to life," Axup said.

University of Melbourne assistant vice chancellor and AIID co-chair James McCluskey said the news facility will "vastly improve the speed, equity and innovation with which we prevent, prepare and respond to future pandemics."

The project is jointly funded by the Victorian government and the foundation partners - University of Melbourne, Doherty Institute and Burnet Institute - contributing $400 million and $250 million respectively.

Early works, including the demolition of the existing buildings, are expected to be complete by late 2024. All subsequent construction works are anticipated to be finalised by 2027.