Silverstone lodges plans for Brisbane Advanced Research Centre in Queensland’s largest health precinct, Herston

Silverstone Developments is planning a 7-storey medical research facility with 11,700m² of purpose-built life sciences, research, medical technology, and education accommodation in Queensland’s largest health precinct, Herston.The Brisbane-based developer has lodged a development application for an 11,700m² medical mixed-use development on a 5,812m² site at 37-41 Butterfield Street, Herston. Silverstone Managing Director Troy Daffy said “the proposed development, named Brisbane Advanced Research Centre and designed by Wilson Architects, would provide a state-of-the-art product that expands on the world-class facilities at the adjacent Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH).“We have designed this facility to create high quality, advanced medical research and education spaces to service the life sciences sector. This is a very important growth industry for our city and we are fortunate to have such a well located site in that research and medical precinct,” said Mr Daffy.The 7-storey building will feature four levels of laboratory space plus a multi-level auditorium above and complementary retail on ground. The facility includes specialist design requirements such as additional plant and services infrastructure, fire systems, industrial loading capacity, hospital-sized lifts and large floor-to-floor heights.The Brisbane Advanced Research Centre will include state-of-the-art end of trip facilities, a wellness room, ground floor café, and 118 car parking bays to enhance the tenant and staff experience.Wilson Architects’ Michael Hartwich explains that the design strategy was to highlight the importance of creating welcoming, engaging places that connect with the landscape and context.“We are excited by the opportunity for this development to activate this precinct, positively contribute and engage with the community,” he said.“The ‘Lily pad’ entrance and open, activated ground floor plane seek to create a unique and engaging environment within the local context, while complementing the precinct’s existing healthcare infrastructure. Landscaped terraces and elements of coloured pre-cast concrete, perforated screens, reflective panel linings and full height glazing combine to establish a cutting-edge aesthetic that remains sympathetic to the surrounding environment.”“The design also recognises the importance of sustainability” he says, “we have focused on best practice sustainability, considering occupant wellness and building longevity through integrated environmental strategies.”Sustainable building initiatives include increased landscaping, solar panels, electric car charging, building efficiency through services, waste and emissions management, and long-life construction materials“Innovative and flexible design of specialist research space will further support the building’s longevity. Demonstrative of design innovation, the technologically advanced facilities will cater and adapt to ever changing demands of breakthrough scientific research in medical technology, life sciences, and educational applications.”The design includes base building engineering solutions that consider the sensitivity and stability requirements of these spaces, such as infrastructure to reduce vibration and smart controls for laboratory isolation.The site is located with easy access to the Herston Health Precinct, anchored by the RBWH and the burgeoning Herston Quarter. Public transport is available in the immediate area, with the RBWH Bus station 300 metres away and the new Cross River Rail Exhibition station to be operational ahead of the proposed facility. Neighbouring the site is Silverstone’s recently completed 354-bay commercial car park, offering further parking for visitors and staff.Herston Health Precinct is a global leader in health, innovation, education, research, training and clinical care and is a collaborative community home to more than 30 health facilities, medical research institutes, universities, and organisations. It is located only three kilometres from the CBD and is in close proximity to start-up communities andcreative hubs which help to make up the city’s innovation ecosystem. The Precinct is home to 13,000 clinical and non-clinical staff, scientists, researchers and students, working together to deliver excellence in health.About Silverstone DevelopmentsSilverstone is a Brisbane based private property development and investment company, with an exceptional track record in the Australian market. The company is agile and futurefocused, with a commitment to creating value through high-quality assets. They have a strong precedent in delivering healthcare, commercial, residential, and retail developments, with a total value of over $900 million completed to date.Media Release pdf available here.For further enquiries, please contact:Anthony Fanning – Development Manager - Healthcare, Silverstone Developments Pty LtdE: afanning@silverstonedevelopments.com.au M: 0409 468 988