Construction complete on Sydney’s newest health and life science centre

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Construction is complete on one of the largest life sciences developments in Australia, the $600 million UNSW Health Translation Hub, ahead of operations starting in November.

The 35,000sqm facility in the heart of the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct has been developed in partnership by Plenary and UNSW Sydney.

Plenary is funding, developing and operating the facility, with UNSW committing to occupy two-thirds of the space under an initial 20-year agreement.

The remaining space is available for industry groups, allied health and an investment-led accelerator space, designed to enhance the collaboration between tertiary, public and private enterprise.

Confirmed subtenants include Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre (MCCCC) and The George Institute for Global Health. Plenary will soon announce the manager of the acceleration space, leaving four floors remaining for like-minded partners to co-locate with the University and other precinct partners.

When fully operational in the coming months, HTH will bring together researchers, clinicians, educators, private industry and public health officials to drive excellence and support the translation of innovative research and education into improved patient care and community health outcomes.

Research will focus on precision and personalised medicine, advanced therapeutics, health systems and equity, new models of care, ageing well, mental health and cancer. The collaborative spaces within HTH will enable a unique interdisciplinary student experience and direct collaboration with industry, clinical communities and the public.

Professor Attila Brungs, UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, said the completion of the Health Translation Hub marks a major milestone in UNSW’s commitment to transforming health outcomes for patients and developing the next generation of health workers.

“This world-class facility will enable our students to learn side-by-side with some of Australia’s brightest researchers, clinicians and health innovators, giving them unrivalled opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary education that has real-world impact,” Prof Brungs said.

“The Hub, physically situated in Randwick, will enable and drive improved health outcomes for people across Australia. This facility is a shining example of UNSW’s Strategy in action – partnering with industry and government to deliver research and education that enables healthier lives, now and into the future.”

Plenary Group Head of Development Sergio Calcarao said the Health Translation Hub is delivering on its promise of co-locating the best public and private health and life science organisations to bring together research, learning, innovation and community impact.

“I’m proud of the role Plenary has played in bringing this project to fruition, capitalising on our experiences in life sciences projects and precinct development to help UNSW deliver on its vision to change the future of health,” Mr Calcarao said.

Dr Zoe Terpening, UNSW Pro Vice-Chancellor, Precincts, said the Health Translation Hub is a powerful example of what can be achieved through genuine collaboration. 

“This partnership between UNSW, health providers, industry and government brings world-class research, education and clinical care together in one place, accelerating better health outcomes for our communities. The Hub has been purposefully designed to foster innovation and interaction – from students learning alongside clinicians, to researchers working in step with industry,” Dr Terpening said.

HTH is adjacent to the new Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Services Building and includes direct connections to UNSW’s Kensington campus, the future Sydney Children’s Hospital and MCCCC (opening late-2025), putting the precinct at the forefront of international health research and education.

It is fully funded by Plenary and industry superannuation fund-backed property investor ISPT with health and education sector superannuation funds HESTA and UniSuper. Plenary is also the development and asset manager for the project, with Hansen Yuncken the contractor and Architectus the lead architect.