Bond University has unveiled the former Centre of Excellence building in Robina will be re-named the ‘Bond Institute of Health and Sport’.
The first major announcement that the University has made since it bought the building in September, Bond University Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Brailsford said it was a pleasing step forward.
“The Bond Institute of Health and Sport is a name that encapsulates the purpose and function of the activities that will be occurring inside and around the building,” said Professor Brailsford.
“The School of Health Sciences will be based there including the Head of School Professor Roger Hughes and approximately 150 coursework and 20 research students; as will our newly appointed Pro Vice Chancellor Pathways and Partnerships Ms Catherine O’Sullivan.
“Bond has established itself as a national leader in Exercise and Sports Science education and research in Australia.
"The adjacent location to the Robina Hospital, Skilled Park stadium and hard rail means Bond will be in a health and sports hub that will provide unparalleled opportunities and access for our physiotherapy, sports and exercise science, and sports management students and professors.
“Our students will have access to and gain first-hand experience in world-class health and sport training facilities and study alongside professional athletes and industry leaders.
“From this building Bond will lead its $14 million, three-year Collaborative Research Network Advancing Sports Science project working with the AIS, UQ and University of Sydney as well as a professional sport-related research projects.
"We will also develop new measures and programs to strengthen our connections Australia-wide with indigenous communities, sport and industry groups and elite athletes to provide them with responsive and flexible educations opportunities.
“Bond will occupy floors 2, 3 and 5 and the Titans will occupy floor 1 and the gymnasium area. The fourth floor is planned to become a hub for wider community interaction with a particular focus on indigenous education and opportunities," he said.
The fit out is planned for the next two months with Bond to take full occupancy in early 2013.
Professor Brailsford said there is potential for the building to attract other national and international professional sporting teams and events to the Gold Coast.
“The Australian Men’s Sevens rugby team used the facilities during the recent Gold Coast Sevens Fever Pitch series and other elite sporting teams have also indicated interest,” he said.
“The Commonwealth Games is less than six years away. Our ability to be able to provide a world-class training facility as well as access to leading exercise and sports science researchers is of significant economic benefit to the Gold Coast to attract many major sport teams in the lead up to the Games.
“This is an exciting, progressive step forward for the University and the whole Gold Coast community,” said Professor Brailsford.