The University of Wollongong (UOW) has opened Expressions of Interest ("EOI") for a partner to help develop a thriving Health and Wellbeing Precinct on its Innovation Campus.

Located minutes from Wollongong’s CBD, the proposed Innovation Campus Health and Wellbeing Precinct will comprise an integrated research and learning environment, and health and aged care facilities, while retaining the connection to the local bushland, parks and green spaces that have become such a vital part of the campus.

The precinct will complement existing health services in the Illawarra by offering non-surgical care focused on preventative health issues and maintaining overall health and wellbeing.

In addition, the Health and Wellbeing Precinct will include supporting retail, childcare and commercial facilities with the aim of creating a supportive and inclusive health environment for the Illawarra community.

The non-surgical facilities will be used to undertake health and wellbeing research that will benefit existing healthcare services and health promotion activities in the region.

The proposed project represents a potential AUD$400-AUD$500 million (USD$302 - USD$378 million) investment in the region that could generate more than 1000 new jobs, both during construction and in the ongoing development.

The aged care services envisaged for the site would include independent seniors’ living facilities and advanced research and training into this essential health care area.

UOW has begun conducting EOI for a potential development partner, a consortia or company, to help make the initiative a reality.

Prospective partners must have previous success in developing projects of this size and calibre and be able to align with UOW’s strategic plan and timeline. The proposed precinct will be subject to statutory approval. 

Suitable applicants must have the capacity to contribute to the project’s design, financing, building, operation and maintenance. 

EOIs are open from Friday, 4 November, to Friday, 16 December 2016. A shortlist of potential partners will then be developed for further engagement. 

UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings, CBE, said the Innovation Campus, which is designed to foster the creation of networks and interaction among like-minded individuals and companies, is the ideal location for a vibrant health precinct that would service the entire region. Professor Wellings said:

“The University of Wollongong is deeply embedded in the community and the Innovation Campus is the nucleus of a significant regional development opportunity. The proposed Innovation Campus Health and Wellbeing Precinct has the potential to drive greater engagement within the community while delivering state-of-the-art diagnostic, research and care facilities that will benefit the Illawarra for generations to come.”

The Innovation Campus Health and Wellbeing Precinct forms part of UOW’s overall Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which aims to address regional and global challenges related to healthy living.

Under the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, UOW recently announced the establishment of the AUD$80 million (USD$60 million) Centre of Molecular and Life Sciences at UOW, as well as the opening of a AUD$1.5 million (USD$1.1 million) Clinical Education Unit for regional nurses at Bega, and the Mind the Gap initiative for mental health services in the Shoalhaven.