James Cook University’s Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre (CTEC) is another step closer, with JCU releasing artist’s impressions of the landmark building.
Images released today show a striking four-storey building featuring engineered-timber construction, reflecting CTEC’s place in tropical Cairns.
Designed by Wilson Architects, in collaboration with local firm Clark & Prince Architects, the building will house a multi-disciplinary clinic on the ground floor. Clinicians and teachers in medicine and allied health will operate the clinic, alongside students in those disciplines, and doctors studying to be specialist general practitioners.
The building will also provide facilities for clinical skills training, as well as teaching and research in medicine, nursing, allied health and a broad range of related disciplines.
CTEC will stand alongside Cairns Hospital’s new 32-bed surgical centre on Charles Street in North Cairns, as part of the Far North Queensland Health Innovation Precinct.
“This will be a game-changing building,” JCU Vice Chancellor Simon Biggs said.
“CTEC brings together clinical teaching and service delivery, training and research in medicine, allied health and related disciplines – all aligned to the needs of this region and its health workforce.
“The building is designed with collaboration at its heart. It will further strengthen JCU’s research and teaching partnership with Cairns Hospital,” Professor Biggs said.
“It will also be a meeting point where health and medical staff can connect with our engineers, data scientists, and IT specialists.
“This is a region with extensive practical, technical and cultural expertise in living and working in regional and remote Australia. We see great potential in applying that knowledge, along with emerging technologies, to create a healthier future for rural, regional, remote and Indigenous communities.”
Leena Singh, Chief Executive of Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, said it’s exciting to see the research, education and innovation precinct take shape.
“The CTEC building will enable collaboration and partnerships to form between us, JCU and other organisations, to research issues experienced specifically by the people of Far North Queensland, including First Nations health and tropical medicine,” Ms Singh said.
“Importantly, these partnerships will focus on translating that research into clinical practice, enhancing our care of our community.
“Continuing education and research opportunities are integral to our ambition of being an employer of choice.”
Yidinji Elder and research academic Henrietta Marrie said JCU had consulted with community members from the very early stages of the project.
“We wanted to see a building that is welcoming and inclusive, and that honours the site.
“It’s important to us that the building reflects the beauty of its location, and its long connection with Yidinji and other Indigenous people.
“We look forward to working in partnership with JCU and other stakeholders to make this a place of healing and collaboration.”
Community consultation on the ministerial infrastructure designation for the Far North Queensland Health and Innovation Precinct will commence tomorrow [Friday 30 June].
Stage One of a two-stage managing contract has been awarded to BESIX Watpac and they are now in the market to engage sub-contractors for early works. Stage Two will be awarded in early August, at which time construction will commence on site.
An estimated 150 jobs will be created during construction of the $50 million project.
