The first and second stages of a $350 million 'vision hub for innovation' in Westmead have been given the green light.

Developed through Charter Hall, in conjunction with Western Sydney University, the project is designed to substantially elevate Westmead’s status as one of the world’s most advanced innovation districts through incorporating cutting edge technology across the fields of health, education, research and business.

Westmead is home to more people with PhDs than anywhere else in Australia and continues to be the focus of unprecedented growth, with a planned total investment pipeline of more than $5.8 billion over the next decade.

At a glance: 

• Charter Hall and Western Sydney University have received DA approval for the first and second stages of the proposed Westmead 'Innovation Quarter'.
• Construction is set to begin on two mixed-use towers at iQ, situated between the hospital and Westmead station. 
• These towers will provide 28,000 square metres of health, research, education and commercial space.

Development approval has been received for two mixed-use towers at iQ, situated between the hospital and Westmead station.

These towers will provide 28,000 square metres of health, research, education and commercial space, facilitating significant opportunities for collaboration across the public and private sectors. 

Additionally, 2,000 square metres of retail space, lifestyle facilities and amenity will ensure tenants and the surrounding community benefit from the development, including food and beverage, a proposed supermarket, fitness centre, parking and childcare - creating a comprehensive lifestyle and wellbeing offering for tenants and the community.
 
Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, said continued research, educational and commercial investment in Westmead was critical, not just for the success of the precinct, but in driving the COVID-19 mitigation and recovery phases ahead.

Source: Charter Hall

"This approval sends a vitally important signal that innovative public-private initiatives like Innovation Quarter are well placed to navigate the challenging terrain ahead.
 
“The Westmead collaboration with Charter Hall, is part of a wider program of infrastructure stimulus initiatives the University is pursing with the Group and other public-private partners at Bankstown, Campbelltown, Liverpool, Parramatta and Werrington."
 
Charter Hall’s Managing Director and Group CEO, David Harrison said the development approval and commencement of construction works was an exciting step forward for the project.
 
“There’s never been a more important time to focus on health research and innovation, and this project collaboration with Western Sydney University will deliver critical infrastructure to support this," he said.

"Over 1,000 jobs are also being created by the project, which is vital for Australians and our economy at this time."
 
The Western Sydney University has committed to an initial 15-year lease term for two of their research institutions, the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development and the Translational Health Research Institute (THRI).
 
Charter Hall’s Head of Office Development, Andrew Borger, said the company aimed to work with both public sector and industry to make Westmead a sought-after research epicentre.

"We look forward to continuing to partner with leading health and research organisations such as MARCS and THRI for the Innovation Quarter precinct," he said.
 
Richard Crookes Constructions has been appointed as the construction partner to deliver the Innovation Quarter precinct in partnership with Charter Hall and Western Sydney University.
 
Practical completion of the project is scheduled for Q4 2021.

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