Kane Constructions was engaged to deliver the Lump Sum contract for the adaptive re-use of the four-level R.L. Reid Building at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus, transforming the existing facility into a state-of-the-art laboratory environment.
The project involved stripping the 1960s/1970s building back to its base structure, including removal of the roof and wall cladding, followed by full refurbishment and the construction of a new rooftop plant room. The redevelopment consolidated teaching and research functions from multiple campus buildings in line with the University Masterplan, freeing up space for future projects.
Levels 1 and 2 now accommodate large teaching laboratories, while Levels 3 and 4 house research laboratories, associated support spaces and open-plan research areas. All laboratories were designed to be PC2 enabled. A new pedestrian link was also constructed to the Biological Sciences 1 building.
Practical Completion was achieved four weeks ahead of program in October 2016, with the facility operational for Semester 1, 2017.