The proposed Gene Technologies Building in Westmead, Sydney has moved a step closer to realisation, with plans for the State Significant Development (SSD) project at the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) site currently on public exhibition.

Part of CMRI’s strategy for growing their laboratory footprint to expand their gene therapy and regenerative medicine programs, the Gene Technologies Building will house state-of-the-art R&D facilities across two new multi-storeyed buildings. CMRI’s redevelopment plans are also aligned with the NSW Government’s new Health Research and Innovation Strategy, a 5-year blueprint that aims to establish the State as an innovation and investment powerhouse for health and medical research in Australia.

CMRI Gene Technologies Building - View of Entry from Kidspark.jpg

Located at 214 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead within the Westmead Hospital Precinct in Parramatta, the redevelopment will support the future growth and capacity needs for CMRI’s comprehensive research programs. The $272.4 million project, designed by Hassell, will be delivered in two stages with the construction of a new eight-storey building along Hawkesbury Road in the first phase, followed by a ten-storey block in the next phase. The two buildings will house wet labs, dry workspaces, logistics, communal spaces, a discovery centre, and end-of-trip facilities among others.

An atrium space between the two blocks will bring natural light into all levels of the buildings. Features such as a new reception and F&B facilities will provide activation along Hawkesbury Road and engage with the KidsPark located near the CMRI building – an interactive green, open space delivered as part of the $619 million redevelopment of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

CMRI Gene Technologies Building - View from Kidspark.jpg

The existing Ainsworth Tower, which will connect with the new buildings on all floors, is being retained and will remain operational throughout both phases of redevelopment.

On completion, the Gene Technologies Building will provide 28,000sqm of new research and support accommodation across both phases (including the refurbished Ainsworth Tower), supporting CMRI’s plans to hire an additional 500 staff by 2037.

According to CMRI, the redevelopment aims to “accelerate research discovery, enable more rapid translation and commercialisation of research, create jobs and training opportunities in new industries, improve the lives of thousands of children with incurable diseases, and house new R&D jobs and a new advanced manufacturing workforce.”

CMRI Gene Technologies Building - View from WIMR Tower on Hawkesbury Road.jpg

The expansion will not only increase CMRI’s current capacity and functionality but also assist in connection and integration with their collaborative partners and neighbouring facilities in the Westmead precinct including Westmead Hospital, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, the proposed Paediatric Services Building, and the Kids Research building.

“Expanding our research facilities is essential to facilitate the growth and expansion of our innovative research programs. By bringing together world-leading researchers and using cutting-edge research equipment and infrastructure, we are working toward achieving our vision of improving children’s health,” said CMRI director Roger Reddel.

CMRI’s SSD application for the Gene Technologies Building is on exhibition until Tuesday 3 June 2025.

Renders Credit: Hassell | Source: https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/

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