Construction begins on $780m Sydney Biomedical Accelerator

The NSW Government, The University of Sydney and the Sydney Local Health District last week broke ground on the $780 million Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, set to be a world-class health education and research complex that will house more than 1200 researchers and clinician scientists on its 36,000 m² site, spanning The University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA).

First announced in September 2022, the facility will be a major centre for biomedical innovation and research, bringing the disciplines of biology and medicine together to fast-track scientific discovery into real-life health outcomes for patients and strengthen Australia’s global leadership in biomedicine. The project partners had originally committed a total of $478 million to the facility, but The University of Sydney is building on this with an additional $150 million.

Following a competitive tender process, Richard Crookes Constructions has been selected as construction partner to build the complex, which includes two new biomedical research buildings over eight levels as well as connecting bridges between the university and RPA. Connecting the hospital and university is crucial for the new facility to enable a seamless exchange of knowledge from lab to bedside, such as by conducting targeted clinical trials.

Upon opening in 2028, the facility will include:

• laboratory and collaboration spaces for researchers, clinicians and industry, including an innovation and startup hub;
• a high-tech biobank — a storage facility for tissue samples, cells, blood and DNA used for research;
• high-performing computing;
• precision medicine;
• state-of-the-art surgery and anatomy research and teaching;
• core research facilities for microscopy, preclinical imaging, drug discovery, protein production and purification; and
• clinical trials and patient-facing clinical spaces.
   

The Accelerator will also help attract and retain world-class researchers, provide anatomy training facilities for the future health workforce, and create career opportunities for those wanting to break into the field of medical and scientific research.

“This new facility is set to change the game when it comes to research into diagnostics and treatments in Australia, and I am really proud that we have it here in NSW,” said NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.

“Cutting-edge laboratories will empower researchers to accelerate the discovery of cures and treatments for a wide range of diseases, driving medical breakthroughs with greater speed and precision.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris described the Accelerator as “a launch pad for the next generation of medical breakthroughs” — one that will shape the future of health care in Australia by bringing together scientists, clinicians and innovators under one roof.

Professor Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Sydney, said the Accelerator is unique due to its integration of world-class research with innovation, commercial translation and real-world clinical outcomes.

“It will be a place for discovery — but also one where ideas transform into impact, accelerating solutions from the lab bench to the bedside and beyond,” he said.