La Trobe University kicks off $5b rebuild
Construction has started to rebuild La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus as a $5 billion education and innovation hub supported by private-sector product, specifically residential, retail and offices.
Also designed with public transport, including a tram – the first building, a healthcare campus to serve the public (artist’s impression, top) – carries an end value of $82 million.
To be known as the La Trobe University Clinic, it will rise four levels and train 400 students a year.
It will be operated by the federal government’s Allied Health – the country’s second largest clinical workforce after nursing and midwifery.
Physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy functions will be undertaken there.
It will also contain a pharmacy and a space for social work.
The project forms part of a $170m investment at Bundoora in the health innovation sector for teaching and research.
Experience to assist in and with clinical placements
Construction begins eight years since La Trobe University unveiled the $5b master-plan redevelopment of the 235 hectare site – and three years since it appointed Plenary Group builder.
It will gain a cluster of new campus buildings for teaching and research as well as sports facilities – one which was completed in January, 2020 (story continues below).
Swathes of land have also been allocated for private sector investment – apartments, offices and shops.
Having achieved financial close with the school, Plenary began building the La Trobe University Clinic this week.
Completion is scheduled next year.
“Operating as a state-of-the art healthcare facility serving the public, the clinic will also offer a broad range of allied health services including orthoptics, speech pathology, podiatry, psychology, dietetics and nutrition, physiotherapy, audiology and occupational therapy, Plenary managing director, Damien Augustinus, said.
It is also expected to train 400 health professionals and psychologist each year with hands-on experience to assist in and with clinical placements.
“There are around 300,000 registered allied health professionals in Australia but the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care says there is already a shortage in some allied health areas and demand is expected to grow over the next decade,” according to the executive.
La Trobe University vice-chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell, added “the…infrastructure in which we are investing including our exciting new clinical teaching building in Bundoora, will offer huge community benefits, including regional development and jobs from capital investments”.
The university opened at the site, 15 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, officially opened in 1967, four years after it was established.
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