February 2009

The Principal Design Architects S2F presented the Planning and Development Committee and the Steering Committee with a proposal to consolidate the new PC3 and PC2 laboratories and workspaces into a single new building. The proposal will allow a single air handling and waste management system to be used thus gaining efficiencies. In addition they have proposed adding adequate new laboratory space to accommodate virology. The use of block 4 and 5 will be considered in the next stage of the biosecurity upgrade.  

S2F have also recommended locating the new buildings on a site to the north of receivals and the vet lab.  

The Steering Committee approved S2F to take their proposal to concept design which will be presented to the Director-General in late March. Once approved the design will be posted on the project site.  

The project team has developed a business case for $13.427 million additional funding. A detailed engineering inspection of the existing laboratories has identified additional works that are required to adequately refurbish these buildings. The business case was presented to the Treasury Gateway review team on 18 February and was given the green light to progress to budget committee for consideration.