Leighton Contractors has been awarded the contract to manage the $205 million design and construction of the new Science and Technology Precinct and Community Hub Project at the Gardens Point Campus, for the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

The project will take place in two stages. Stage One involves the planning and estimating of the project, resulting in an agreed Guaranteed Construction Sum, while Stage Two involves design finalisation and construction.

Darren Weir, general manager Northern Region for Leighton Contractors, said the company is very pleased to be working with QUT on this significant new education precinct and community hub. “A key project objective will be to position QUT at the forefront of the science and technology fields, both nationally and internationally, and as such sustainability will be a guiding principle in all the design and construction,” Weir said.

“We have gained a strong reputation for developing sustainable buildings, particularly for the multi award-winning Green Square Corporate Office Park in Brisbane. We have incorporated this expertise in the construction of several of projects, including the HQ development and One One One Eagle Street and we will be in a very good position to bring the latest smart technology to this important QUT project,” he added.

QUT’s aim with the new precinct is to bring together teaching and research in the science, technology, engineering, architecture/building and mathematics disciplines. Five existing buildings will be demolished, making room for a number of new facilities including innovative learning and research spaces in two multi-storey towers, a large public forecourt, a pedestrian link from the Goodwill Bridge to Botanic Gardens, a conference hall and student and retail spaces.

The overall QUT project works are expected to be started next year and create jobs for up to 500 workers. The works are planned to be completed by 2012.