Agribio, the Centre for AgriBioscience
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Project Director: Dermot Browne
Project summary/description
The project delivers 15,380m2 of collaborative research and support facilities and 4,677m2 of glasshouses and support areas. The facility will be a world-class centre for agricultural biosciences research and development, and will further strengthen Victoria's international reputation for biosciences and bio protection research and diagnostics.
It will accommodate at least 400 scientists (100 La Trobe University and 300 Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) researchers) with an allowance for 50 accommodation spaces for growth. The facility will facilitate collaborative science and resource sharing between the La Trobe Univeristy / DPI Joint Venture parties to achieve better biosciences research and educational outcomes for the benefit of Victoria.
The project is a public-private partnership being delivered under the Victorian Government's "Partnerships Victoria" model and involves the financing, design, construction and operation for 25 years of the faculty.
The building will achieve a 5 star Green Star design rating in keeping with La Trobe University's commitment to sustainability.
Funding source and budget details
Total project budget is $288M. La Trobe University will contribute $50M of capital and a proportion of the operating costs over the 25 year period.
Timeline/key milestones
| Activity | Target Milestone | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Contract start | 14 May 2009 | 100% complete |
| Main building - structure complete | 4th quarter 2011 | 100% complete |
| External buildings - finishes complete | 4th quarter 2011 | 100% complete |
| Commencement of operational transition phase | 3rd quarter 2012 | Not complete |
| Fully operational | 3rd quarter 2012 | Not complete |
Project updates
Last Update: 18 April 2012
