After months of muddy conditions, Queensland University of Technology's (QUT) $230 million Science and Technology Precinct and Community Hub project has reached a milestone with the pouring of the first floor slab this week.
Leighton Contractors has completed the majority of foundations and bulk earthworks and has started pouring concrete structural works to begin a key phase of the QUT Gardens Point campus development.
QUT project director Anthony Perrau said the first pour for the 45,000sqm Science and Technology Precinct was a significant step towards its completion in 2012.
"This is the biggest project that QUT has ever undertaken in terms of the size of the building and its value. This first concrete pour is where we begin the construction process of the actual building," he said.
"The new Science and Technology Precinct will create a new campus heart at Gardens Point. It's a landmark science and technology venture and it will significantly boost QUT's research profile in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics areas.
"On the teaching and learning front, the Science and Technology Precinct will provide modern technology-rich social learning spaces which are becoming a very important part of our university fabric."
Mr Perrau said the Science and Technology Precinct would be five-star energy rated and include state-of-the-art gas-fired power generation and cooling system in addition to about 200KW of solar electrical generation.
Community facilities will include 270 parking spaces, 50m FINA-registered pool, a large gymnasium, food court, bookstore, function room and facilities for nearly 200 bicycle parks and showers.
The project is a major career boost for two fourth-year QUT Bachelor of Urban Development and Construction students, who have joined the construction team as interns to learn first-hand and gain experience during the precinct's development.
Leighton Contractors project manager Mark Norris said the internships were a valuable learning opportunity for QUT students and were part of the key initiatives within the 'Learning with Leighton Contractors' strategy with the university.
"What we're trying to do is engage with QUT's urban development and engineering courses and provide some tutoring in the various stages of construction we're going through," he said.
"These students have got an amazing opportunity to be part of QUT's most significant development, working on the project from day-to-day and seeing what they're learning in the classroom first-hand.
"When construction is finished there will be opportunities for other students and members of the public to interact with the building to gain an insight into the complex engineering systems that go into making a modern, sustainable building.
"We are developing ways of visualising the inner workings of the precinct."
Interns Natasha Jackson and Ryan Alwi said they were excited to be part of the significant project.
"I feel very privileged. What I learn on the project I'll be able to take with me for the rest of my career," Ms Jackson said.
The new Science and Technology Precinct has received funding from the Queensland Government ($35m), the Commonwealth Government's Education Investment Fund ($75m) and The Atlantic Philanthropies ($25m). QUT will fund the remainder.
Media contact: Stephanie Harrington, media officer, 3138 1150 or stephanie.harrington@qut.edu.au
