WATPAC TO DEVELOP UNIVERSITY

WATPAC Limited (ASX: WTP) has been awarded a $34 million contract from Charles Sturt University for stage one of its permanent campus at Port Macquarie.

The Brisbane construction company will develop an Indigenous Student Centre, teaching and research facilities, outdoor learning spaces and office accommodation and parking during the first stage, with construction commencing immediately.

WTP CEO Martin Monro says the 5,700 square-metre development will augment an already strong presence the company has in the region.

It will also total WTP’s expenditure along the eastern seaboard to almost $900 million over the past five years.

“The development at Charles Sturt University is a welcome addition to our workbook in the mid-north coast which includes the $65 million Port Macquarie Base Hospital expansion, $46 million redevelopment of Kempsey District Hospital and the University of New South Wales’ $14 million Joint Health Education Facility,” says Monro.

Watpac’s latest project is also expected to put a bridge between the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and Charles Sturt University through construction of a specialist joint research facility for food, soil and water.

The campus will open to students in February 2016.