Work begins on the BioLink Redevelopment

This major renewal project will transform an ageing building on UNSW's upper campus into a modern, sustainable hub for research, education and innovation.

Redevelopment work on UNSW’s BioLink building (E25) will begin this month. 

The work is part of UNSW's broader Campus Development Plan. It will create new teaching and learning facilities in the existing building to support the University's new academic calendar and long-term vision for teaching, research and campus life.

Adaptive reuse to create sustainable modern facilities for the future

Originally constructed in the mid-1970s, the BioLink Building has served the UNSW community for more than 50 years and is now nearing the end of its operational life. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the project will adaptively reuse and extend the existing structure, reducing environmental impact while delivering modern facilities designed to support future generations of researchers and students.

UNSW’s Chief Property Officer Tim Beattie said the project represents an important investment in the future of the Kensington campus.

"The BioLink Redevelopment is about giving new life to an important part of our campus while creating spaces that support the way our community will research and learn into the future," Mr Beattie said.

"By refurbishing and extending the existing building, we're improving the experience of our students and staff and delivering on our sustainability commitments through adaptive reuse and low-carbon design."

Sustainability is a key focus of the redevelopment, with plans including building electrification, rooftop solar, energy-efficient building systems, water-saving infrastructure and the diversion of 90% of construction waste from landfill.

Located within the Biomedical Sciences area on upper campus, the BioLink Redevelopment will strengthen links between research and education while improving connectivity across upper campus.

The redevelopment will deliver new research laboratories for the School of Psychology, improved collaboration spaces, upgraded accessibility, enhanced public spaces along Chancellery Walk, and stronger connections with surrounding biomedical and science facilities.

UNSW School of Psychology’s Head of School Professor Simon Killcross said the redevelopment would support the school's growing research ambitions.

"The new BioLink laboratories will provide contemporary research environments that support the breadth and ambition of psychology research at UNSW," Professor Killcross said.

"These facilities will enable greater collaboration, support emerging areas of research and help ensure our researchers have access to the infrastructure needed to deliver research with real-world impact."

What to expect during construction

As works commence, staff and students on upper campus will notice increased construction activity around the BioLink Redevelopment site.

There will be periods of noise, vibration and changed access arrangements as construction progresses. While some disruption is unavoidable, UNSW and our head contractor Hindmarsh are implementing measures to minimise impacts wherever possible, including construction scheduling, monitoring, noise mitigation and targeted communications for affected areas.

While construction will bring some short-term disruption, the E25 BioLink Redevelopment represents a significant investment in the future of UNSW's research capability, campus experience and sustainability goals.