October 2 2008

Laing O’Rourke has won the contract to build new purpose-built, high-quality facilities at what will become the most comprehensive animal research and teaching centre in Australia.

The world-class $80 million School of Veterinary Science for the University of Queensland will be built at the University’s Gatton campus, 90 kilometres west of Brisbane.

The world-class $80 million School of Veterinary Science for the University of Queensland will be built at the University’s Gatton campus, 90 kilometres west of Brisbane.

South East Queensland Building Manager Glenn Rashleigh said the four-building complex would include state-of-the-art teaching laboratories, equine and small animal teaching clinics and veterinary hospital.

“This is the largest university-funded project ever awarded by the University of Queensland,” Glenn said. “It is seen by the University as a flagship project and it is certainly a milestone project for Laing O’Rourke to secure.”

He said Building North group’s experience in the education, laboratory and health sectors would be instrumental in delivering the landmark project.

The Veterinary Science Building will boast three large research laboratories while the hospital will operate as a fully-equipped equine and large animal hospital as well as a first opinion and referral teaching hospital for small animals.

The new buildings will complement and integrate the School of Veterinary Science with other animal teaching and research facilities already based at Gatton.

The project team will commence on site in mid-October and are due to complete the project by November 2009.