Uni in line for $30m innovation overhaul

A FUTURISTIC building could soon be part of the landscape of James Cook University’s Cairns campus.

JCU has released an Expression of Interest for contractors to construct its $30 million Cairns Innovation Centre, which aims to translate the university's research and business ideas into products and services that are in high demand.

The centre is to be constructed on land next to the campus’ Cairns Institute building on an existing carpark.

It will include a three-storey building and a separate ancillary/support single-storey building of about 4000sq m of space, including a 400sq m atrium, spaces for innovation, meeting and administration, scientific, teaching, server hubs and amenities.

There will also be a 155vehicle carpark and a walkway connecting the centre to The Cairns Institute.

Tender documents also show that the university is planning on an external AV projection on to the building’s “fabric”.

It is hoped the CRC will be completed by next year.

State and federal governments have both committed $10 million towards the new centre and JCU will provide the balance.

The project is expected to create 94 full-time construction jobs and 80 operational positions after completion.