Funding announcement brings biomedical precinct a step closer. 

Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Dr Teresa Anderson participated in Sydney University’s announcement about its landmark investment in a nation-leading biomedical precinct to fast track research and patient care.

The University has announced a $478 million investment towards the building of the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator (SBA), in addition to the $150 million investment from the NSW Government, and a further $25 million from the District announced in June 2022.   

It is the largest capital investment made by the University, and includes a $20 million donation from the Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation which will establish The Isaac Wakil Biomedical Building – one of three buildings to make up the SBA complex.

The Foundation has gifted more than $55 million to the University for the Susan Wakil Health Building built in 2021 and the proposed Isaac Wakil Biomedical Building – the largest named donation to a single institution in NSW history.

The historic investment into the SBA will establish the Camperdown precinct as a global leader in accelerating the development and translation of new innovations for complex health challenges.

“I’m very excited about the road ahead and the opportunity to realise our vision of discovery and rapidly translating this into tangible health outcomes and positive change for our patients and our community,’ Dr Anderson said. 

Dr Anderson joined the University’s Vice Chancellor Mark Scott, Executive Dean and Pro-Vice Chancellor Health and Medicine Professor Robyn Ward, NSW Health Secretary Susan Peace, and former NSW Health Secretary and now Managing Director of Telstra Health, Elizabeth Koff for the announcement.

“This is a historic investment for any University. The range of world-class buildings and facilities that will make up the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator will bring together the brightest scientific and clinical minds with entrepreneurs, industry and government,” Professor Scott said.   

Following a design competition, international architectural firms Denton Corker Marshall and HDR have been selected to design the 36,000m2 precinct.

The winning design celebrates the relationship between the University and RPA connecting them for the first time in their 140 year partnership.

The architects will work with District staff, partners and other stakeholders to workshop and finalise designs over the next 12 months.

Early works will start this year and initial occupation expected to occur from 2026.

The SBA will be at the heart of Tech Central, and at the centre of the Camperdown Health Education and Research Precinct, to strengthen existing partnerships and foster new collaborations between clinicians, academics, researchers and industry partners.

Leading medical research institute, the Centenary Institute, has been identified as the SBA’s first research collaborator.