Construction of the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) will commence at The University of Queensland in September 2005.
The QBI will complete the University’s quartet of cutting-edge research Institutes which include the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), the Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) and the Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN), which is under construction at present.
Professor Perry Bartlett, Director of the QBI, said when completed, the QBI would house one of the largest teams of neuroscientists in the world dedicated to the understanding of how brain functions, such as learning and memory, are regulated.
“This understanding will provide new therapies for the treatment of brain diseases and mental illness,” Professor Bartlett said.
UQ Construction Project Manager Kim Wishart said the seven-level building would be located to the south of the Skerman & Macgregor Buildings on the site of the existing Australian Equine Genetics Laboratory and the adjacent glasshouse. These buildings will be demolished to allow for QBI’s construction.
“The building will have an effective height of five levels from Upland Road,” Mr Wishart said.
“The attractive landscaped courtyard to the south of the Skerman Building will be retained and enhanced to maintain a green buffer between the new building, Upland Road and the adjacent residential properties.”
Mr Wishart said the Environmental Assessment Report on the project carried out by Arup Australasia, had determined the environmental impact of the building in the areas of planning, land use and operation to be ‘negligible’ (minimal change).
He said the construction phase had been classified as ‘low’ (impact recognisable but acceptable).
“Noise during demolition and excavation period from September to December 2005 has been assessed as ‘low to medium’,” he said
“Standard noise mitigation measures such as limiting working hours and adequate maintenance of machinery will assist in reducing the impact on QBI’s near neighbours during this period.”
He said the majority of construction vehicle access to the site will be via Carmody Road to Upland Road, thereby limiting the associated traffic noise in local streets.
“In terms of traffic volume once operational, QBI will include four only carparking spaces in Research Road with QBI’s 280 staff to make use of the existing parking facilities on campus,” he said.
“It is intended, with Council approval, to widen a section of Upland Road on the University side in front of the building to provide an emergency vehicle bay and general vehicle set down area for the Institute.”
The building is due for completion in April 2007.
For more information on the project please contact Kim Wishart, Construction Project Manager, University of Queensland on 3365 2776.
Media inquires: Kim Wishart (3365 2776).
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