In 2012 the institute unveiled its $185 million redeveloped research facility in Parkville. The expansion doubled the institute’s research capacity, with seven levels of new laboratories and scientific support facilities.

 

“Doing high class medical research, and delivering improvements in heath for the community requires first class infrastructure, equipment, and people with imagination and passion.”

– Professor Doug Hilton, director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

Denton Corker Marshal and laboratory design specialists SKM-S2F worked in partnership to design a new building and renovate the old building, combining elegant architecture with innovative technology. 

The result is a world-class facility capable of attracting, housing and inspiring the brightest scientific and professional talent. 

World-class research facilities

The redevelopment provided new facilities for supporting the institute’s commitment to disease prevention, treatment and cure, including: 

• A new western wing, housing seven floors of laboratories and scientific support services
• A new Clinical Translation Centre with patient contact rooms, to accelerate the process of moving laboratory discoveries towards tangible benefits for patients 
• An insectary, enabling malaria researchers to investigate the critical liver stage of the malaria life cycle
• Advanced cell and tissue imaging and flow cytometry centres

Creating a healthy, productive environment

The new building provides light, pleasant office and laboratory spaces.  

The institute’s emphasis on collaboration has been incorporated into the building design, with laboratories enclosed in glass walls, visible from office areas and public lifts. A large open tea room, casual lounge areas and open meeting spaces encourage informal meetings.

New bike racks, showers, lockers and outdoor spaces where staff can relax also reflect the institute’s focus on creating an environment where staff feel happy, healthy and driven by a shared purpose.

An immersive welcome to visitors

The new galleria, connecting the old and new buildings, invites visitors into the heart of the institute.

Along one wall, a timeline describes significant discoveries and people from our 100-year history. On the opposite wall scientific animations from WEHI.TV capture the visitor’s imagination and get people thinking about medical research.

Stories from the site

Get a glimpse into the redevelopment project, with insights from staff, students, architects and engineers.

Funding the development

Generous funding for the project was provided by the Australian Government, the Victorian Government, The Atlantic Philanthropies, The Ian Potter Foundation and a number of other philanthropic organisations and individuals.

Visit us

Come and see our new facilities for yourself. Register for a free public Discovery Tour or an upcoming public forum.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.