BOND University has broken ground on a $45 million project at Robina to meet booming demand for new physiotherapists, exercise and sports scientists, dietitians and occupational therapists.
The five-level building at the university’s Institute of Health & Sport precinct will create an additional 11,500m2 of education spaces, offices, and car parking beside Cbus Super Stadium, home of the Gold Coast Titans.
It will connect to the university’s existing High Performance Training Centre and double the current space for allied health programs.
Opening is scheduled for August 2023 and a traditional Smoke and Welcome to Country Ceremony by Kombumerri Elder Uncle John Graham marked the start of work by ADCO Constructions.
The project is self-funded by Bond University and will create about 200 jobs during construction and more than 50 new highly-skilled, ongoing positions.
Bond University has held the site at 18 Stadium Drive for several years with an eye to future expansion.
It was provided to the 2018 Commonwealth Games as a warm-up field for athletes and has since been used by Bond Bull Sharks sports teams as an additional training area.
Key features of the new facility include:
- An exterior design that complements the adjacent stadium and will add to the overall presentation of the Robina precinct.
- A range of new clinical spaces, including simulated hospital wards and clinician consulting rooms to accommodate treatments in physiotherapy, nutrition, rehabilitation and occupational therapy.
- A world-class 60m gait laboratory that incorporates pressure sensors and high-speed cameras to analyse human movement. It can be used to assist everything from recovery and rehabilitation for age-related conditions to elite sports training.
- Simulated residential settings to support research and education in occupational therapy.
- Commercial simulated kitchen facilities for nutrition and dietetic studies.
- A rehabilitation gym.
- A unique indoor amphitheatre in an atrium capable of seating 230 people and designed to encourage innovation.
The design by XL Architecture prioritises natural light, airflow, and a range of environmentally sustainable initiatives including solar power.
Bond University Vice Chancellor and President Tim Brailsford said strong growth was forecast in allied health disciplines, driven by demand in the aged care and disability sectors.
“This new facility will provide a significant expansion for our programs in allied health,” Professor Brailsford said.
“Moreover, the new clinical facilities add to our ability to service the growing need of the Gold Coast for patients seeking assistance in a range of allied health services.
“The building will also add to the Gold Coast’s increasing reputation as a centre for high performance sports facilities as we plan for Brisbane 2032.”