Projects

Creating a new law school hub with Macquarie University

Transformation of the Michael Kirby Law School into a hub for a new generation of change makers.

Key information

Client Macquarie University

Location Australia

Project type Real estate

Services Procurement and supply chain, Project management, Sustainability

Project timeline 2021 - 2023

Pale, wooden interior of the Macquarie University Michael Kirby Law School lounge area, Sydney, Australia.

Contact

Nicholas Lawler

Director

A sense of identity

Macquarie University’s vision was to create a law school hub that brings together industry and professionals to the university, while providing an inclusive, open and welcoming space for law students on campus.

Appropriate accommodation, as well as meeting, collaboration and event spaces was needed to support external engagement and attract partners to the university, enabling relationships that have the potential to generate additional revenue through projects, sponsorships, scholarships, funded chairs and philanthropy.

This vision was realised through the design and construct of a new, purpose-built law school on the existing site of a 1980s building. The new, refreshed location aims to provide a contemporary environment for learning, teaching and research for one of the largest and most progressive law schools in Australia.

project story

A multi-disciplinary hub

Macquarie University appointed us to provide project management services during the planning, design, procurement and construction phases. Faced with the challenge of the project being delivered in an active campus environment, we made sure minimal disruption to teaching and mitigated all potential risks. We ensured operational readiness and the relocation of the law faculty into a new facility, managing relocation activities, including removalist and procurement.

Key features of the new building include a study and social space for students, a legal teaching clinic where staff, students and external partners can meet, a facility to assist in supporting the school’s professional and community programmes and facilities for the Macquarie University Law Society.

Sustainability at the forefront

Key to the project was retaining a partially demolished building to meet core sustainability requirements, as listed in the Green Star rating tool, within scope and budget. We developed a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan, taking on a collaborative approach for the final elements of design to achieve the best quality and cost outcomes. With ecologically sustainable development as a central focus of the design and material selection, the building features a lighter, timber-framed structural system and glazed façade. The future-proof upgrade and expansion will also allow greater adaptability for future modifications. The building is now set to achieve a five-star Green Star rating.