Griffith University plans a major Gold Coast design and technology hub

GRIFFITH University has an ambitious plan for an $80 million world-leading design and technology hub to anchor the Commonwealth Games legacy vision.

GRIFFITH University plans an ambitious $80 million Health and Knowledge Precinct investment as calls mount for a formal body to drive post-Commonwealth Games legacy.

The precinct at the Parklands Project athletes village site developed near two city hospitals and the university is already being touted as one of the city’s major Games legacy outcomes.

It is already home to public and private hospitals, Griffith University and 1200 Parklands apartments and townhouses which will become the athletes village for the Games next year.

The Health and Knowledge precinct incubation hub will be 9.5 to 10 hectares of land set aside for attracting globally competitive cutting edge firms to drive diversification of the GC economy after the Commonwealth Games. Griffith University plans an $80m hub the Advanced Design and Prototype Technology Institute.

A Griffith University plan to construct a new institute dedicated to commercialisation and industry collaboration will be one of the precinct’s first new buildings to go up post-Games. Griffith has earmarked one of 16 lots on a 10-hectare site set aside at the precinct — home for business incubation and start-ups, the Bulletin can reveal.

Grocon national construction manager Peter Ward shows Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones the Parklands Project which has been handed to Games organisers for readiness as the Athletes Village come April, 2018. The project is a key part of the city’s burgeoning Health and Knowledge Precinct, said to be an anchor for the post-Games legacy of the city.

Precinct director Di Dixon revealed the Griffith project yesterday and hopes it will be part of steps towards diversification of the city economy, heavily reliant on tourism and construction.

Griffith’s project will be called the Advanced Design and Prototype Technology (ADaPT) Institute and include the latest 3D printing equipment and medical implant technology.

Ms Dixon said before a sod had been turned on the ADaPT Institute — scheduled for construction by late 2018 — it was already attracting attention from 3D printing firms, plus software and advanced technology companies.

Former Queensland Premier and Games Legacy Advisory Committee chairman Rob Borbidge. Photo: David Clark

Ms Dixon also yesterday joined Games Legacy Advisory Committee chair Rob Borbidge to call for a long-term legacy structure after April’s sporting extravaganza to ensure momentum for the city is maintained.

The existing committee has been driving Games legacy projects in the lead-up but a formal structure post-Games is still being discussed with stakeholders and State Government.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones backed calls for a long-term post-Games legacy group: “We can’t expect to get great legacy outcomes unless we put in place the right structures.

“A committee like the one proposed would do just that,” she said.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones talking Legacy: “It’s important we have independent thinkers from varying backgrounds part of the discussion to ensure an enduring legacy.” (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)

“It’s important we have independent thinkers from varying backgrounds part of the discussion to ensure an enduring legacy.”

Mr Borbidge said the existing legacy committee’s brief was wideranging and across everything from helping drive the Health and Knowledge Precinct profile to upskilling the service industry.

Mr Borbidge said he agreed with Ms Jones’ about including a wide range of voices.

“It is important there be a group post-Games — who is on it, how it works and what its remit is up for discussion but I think it’s important we make sure the legacy continues to be delivered.”

Ms Dixon’s role running the Health and Knowledge Precinct has long-term backing from Gold Coast Health, City of Gold Coast and Griffith for three years after the Games and she aimed to create a globally-competitive innovation hub.

Mr Borbidge and fellow volunteer Legacy committee members are appointed through to December, 2018.

Griffith Enterprise deputy director Dr Jens Tanpe said the ADaPT Institute would open by 2020 and aim to be world-leading and help local industry achieve their vision.