To help you understand how the construction of the Teaching and Research Projects may impact on you, we have prepared a list of frequently asked questions and answers.

1. Why is the University building more research facilities on its Crawley campus?
2. When were development applications lodged?
   
3. When will construction start and how long will it last?
4. How will the construction of these proposed facilities affect me?
5. What is the proposed height of the new facilities?
6. Why are the new facilities being built on an existing car park at UWA?
7. What measures will be in place to assist staff and students that usually park in Car Park 14 during construction of the new facility?
8. Does the University have a car parking strategy?
9. Will the new facilities be sustainable?
10. Will any trees or vegetation be removed as part of the project?
11. Is there a landscape plan for these projects?
    

Construction

Why is the University building more research facilities on its Crawley campus?

The University was successful in being awarded Commonwealth grants through the Australian Government’s Education Investment Fund. This enables the University to participate in industry collaborations for research initiatives that relate to marine research (in the Indian Ocean – one of the least explored marine environments) and carbon storage.

Without this important funding, critical research could not take place on matters that relate to the sustainability of resources and climate change.

When were development applications lodged?

The development application for the CO₂ Research Facility was lodged in the last quarter of 2012 and has received development approval.

The development application for the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre was lodged in the last quarter of 2012 and has received development approval.

When will construction start and how long will it last?

We expect construction of the CO₂ Research Facility would commence  around the middle of this year, aiming for occupancy in 2014.

We anticipate construction of the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre would commence around the latter half of this year and be ready for occupancy in 2015.

Advance notice will be provided through project website updates, signage and other communication methods. You can keep up to date with project progress online.

How will the construction of these proposed facilities affect me?

The University and project partners aim to minimise disruption for neighbours,staff, students and visitors during construction.

All suitable measures to minimise dust will be taken.

Noise from all plant and equipment will be managed in accordance with Australian Standards and works will be carried out during reasonable hours. More details will be provided prior to construction.

When construction begins staff and students will need to use other parking areas on campus or alternative ways of travelling to campus. Advance notice and more information on transport options will be provided.

What is the proposed height of the new facilities?

The CO₂ Research Facility will have a ground level plus two storeys.

The Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre will have a ground level plus five storeys and the facility is oriented east/west with minimal windows overlooking Fairway.

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Transport and parking

Why are the new facilities being built on an existing car park at UWA?

The location of the proposed facilities has been selected for its proximity to existing specialised laboratories on the UWA campus, such as the existing Engineering precinct.

Constructing the facilities in this location will assist in minimising infrastructure costs and ensure effective use of funds granted for both projects.

The location of Car Park 14 has been identified in previous Crawley Campus Plans and more recently in the 2010 Crawley Campus Plan, as a site for potential university development.

What measures will be in place to assist staff and students that usually park in Car Park 14 during construction of the new facility?

The University will provide temporary car parking in close proximity to the current car park. The car park will remain in place until permanent car parking solutions can be constructed. Advance notice of the car park closure, along with directions to access the temporary car park, will be provided.

Does the University have a car parking strategy?

Yes. The University is currently working on an integrated parking strategy to ensure it can plan effectively for the short, medium and long term. This strategy will take into consideration the proposed facilities to be built at the University.

Sustainability and landscape

Will the new facilities be sustainable?

Solar panels will be installed on the roof of the CO₂ Research Facility. Energy efficient LED lighting will be incorporated into the facility.

The purpose-built IOMRC facility will target a Five Star Green Star rated building, a benchmark in sustainable development, and will be designed to take advantage of sustainability principles.

Will any trees or vegetation be removed as part of the project?

The site is currently a bitumen car park, however,  it includes trees that will unfortunately need to be removed. The University will take the following steps to address these concerns:

• Assess wildlife populations and, where possible, relocate them.
• Undertake an assessment to identify any trees that can be re-located.
• Landscaping on the project site will include a significant number of trees.
• Recycle the timber from the trees.

Is there a landscape plan for these projects?

Yes. A concept landscape plan has been designed and can be viewed below (in either pdf or jpeg format).

In particular, the concept landscape plan includes trees that are shallow rooted fruit trees, selected due the presence of services in this location. Other trees selected include Pin Oaks which are deciduous and have been selected for summer shade and winter sun to maximise cooling and light requirements for building occupants and pedestrians.

Concept landscape plan [PDF, 4.2 MB]
Updated 9 Mar 2013