Australian Institute for Infectious Disease announces early works contractor

The Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID) is thrilled to appoint Kane Constructions as the enabling and early works contractor in the development of its state-of-the-art research facility.

The AIID is a $650 million project led by Foundation Partners the University of Melbourne, Doherty Institute and Burnet Institute, with $400 million contributed by the Victorian State Government, to vastly enhance and accelerate effective infectious disease and pandemic prevention, preparation and response.

Kane Constructions will play a crucial role in preparing the AIID's building site, including the safe and considered demolition of four existing buildings, while minimising disruptions to building site neighbours and the local community.

This will deliver a greenfield site to construct a world-class research facility on the prominent Haymarket intersection in Melbourne’s iconic Biomedical Precinct.

The early and enabling works will have a strong focus on sustainability, including diverting at least 90% of materials from landfill.

Kane has also committed to directing a minimum 2% of the total contract value to underrepresented groups to support the construction works.

The AIID will be perfectly positioned in the nation’s beating heart of biomedical research and innovation, nestled amongst distinguished companies, institutes and hospitals such as CSL, WEHI, Illumina, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and more.

The AIID is ambitious in its goal to protect Australia, the region and the world from the impacts of infectious disease and pandemics through groundbreaking research and innovation.

This will be enabled by high-tech facilities within the new building, including a human infection challenge unit, robotic biobanking, one of the largest high-containment laboratory facilities in the Southern Hemisphere and dedicated space for industry engagement and partnerships.

The facility’s enabling and early works are expected to be completed by late 2024, paving the way for subsequent construction phases to be completed by 2027.

University of Melbourne Chief Operating Officer Paul Axup said:

"It has taken considerable work over several years to bring the AIID project to this point. Now in 2024, we are thrilled to engage Kane Constructions to lead the enabling and early works that will kick-off on-site activity and really bring this project to life.”

University of Melbourne Assistant Vice Chancellor and AIID Co-Chair James McCluskey said:

“The AIID will equip the brightest minds with the best technology and resources available to deliver a unique, sovereign infectious disease capability for Australia. This critical mass of expertise will vastly improve the speed, equity and innovation with which we prevent, prepare and respond to future pandemics.”

Burnet Institute Director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb AC said:

“It is exciting to reach this milestone in the delivery of a new state-of-the-art building for the AIID and the new home of Burnet Institute. With early works beginning soon, we are one step closer to realising the AIID vision of eliminating the public health impact of major infectious diseases. This centres around being better prepared for future pandemics, but also addresses the wider health issues of the communities most affected by these infectious disease challenges, especially mothers, children and adolescents in lower income regions.”

Doherty Institute Director Professor Sharon Lewin said:

“The Doherty Institute is looking forward to work commencing on the AIID facility. As an immediate neighbour to the building site, we are reassured by the considered and thorough enabling and early works program proposed by Kane Constructions.”