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Contractor appointed for $200m RMIT building
RMIT University has appointed Brookfield Multiplex as the contractor for its
landmark Swanston Academic Building, a pioneering $200-plus million
development set to reinvigorate the northern end of Melbourne’s CBD.
The 11-storey building, which will wrap around the historic Oxford Scholar hotel,
will include leading-edge teaching and learning spaces, first-class environmental
design and a stunning façade featuring hundreds of angular shaped sun shades.
RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, said the
appointment of Brookfield Multiplex to the project was another great step forward in
the transformation of the RMIT Quarter.
“We are delighted to have Brookfield Multiplex on board, and bringing to the project
their experience in constructing some of the country’s most striking and significant
developments,” Professor Gardner said.
“As the centrepiece of our $600 million investment in the RMIT Quarter of the CBD,
the Swanston Academic Building sets the standard for innovative design that
supports teaching and learning through new collaborative pedagogies.
“Together with the nearby Design Hub, currently under construction at the former
CUB site, this building is set to continue RMIT’s renewal of the top end of
Swanston Street through exciting architecture that fires the imagination of students
and the wider public alike.”
Designed by Lyons, the 35,000 square metre building is the University’s biggest
investment in an academic building and will also be the new home for RMIT’s
College of Business.
The project is expected to create 800 construction jobs.
Key features include a stunning two-storey cantilevered student social space
overhanging Swanston Street, a further nine double-height student portals for
informal study and collaboration, more than 80 diverse teaching spaces and a
minimum 5-star environmental design under the Green Star Education Rating
Scheme.
Dean Lockhart, Managing Director Brookfield Multiplex Construction, Victoria, said:
“Brookfield Multiplex is collaborating with RMIT on this project, which presents an
exciting opportunity in bringing to life a leading educational facility that will enrich
our community.
“We have an outstanding reputation in the construction of award-winning
sustainable buildings, having recently completed the world’s first 6-Star Green
Star, Melbourne Convention Centre.
20 September, 2010
MEDIA
RELEASE
University
Communications
View RMIT media
releases and
find experts:
rmit.edu.au/newsroom
MELBOURNE
BRUNSWICK
BUNDOORA
FISHERMANS BEND
POINT COOK
HAMILTON
HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
“As a global construction business with operations in Australia, the Middle East and
the UK we draw upon our experience in the delivery of iconic buildings and apply
innovative solutions to achieve world’s best practice in construction.
“On many levels, there is a personal attraction to contributing to a project like this;
many of our staff completed their tertiary studies at RMIT and so are eager for the
opportunity to give something back to the University.”
Media note: High-resolution images and a broadcast-quality animated fly-
through are available.
For media queries:
RMIT University Communications, David Glanz, (03) 9925 2807 or 0438 547
723.
Brookfield Multiplex, General Manager, Communications, Danae Martin, (02)
9322 2729 or 0404 005 782.
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