Pioneering Vaccine Research in Australia

As Australia’s first commercial-scale viral vaccine facility, the new Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility within the Westmead Health Precinct in NSW represents a significant step forward in Australia’s strategy for tackling future health challenges. The VVMF will strengthen both the state's and country's capacity to secure a vaccine supply chain, enabling Australia to trial groundbreaking therapies for infections, cancer and genetic diseases.  

An Innovative Laboratory That Fosters Comfort and Collaboration

The facility’s presence represents a new era of research at the Westmead Health Precinct. A white façade that wraps around the building actively juxtaposes the existing colourful envelope, featuring a reflective quality that mirrors the changing colours of the day. The interior of the building, featuring a design based on the layered nature of cells and microorganisms, departs from the isolated and dark conventional lab interiors. With bright and open lab spaces, the intent behind the design is two-fold: to give the public visibility of what’s going on in the laboratories and put science on display, and provide the VVMF scientists greater access to much-needed daylight, ensuring they have a healthy working environment.

Key features and additions include:

• Link bridges that place the facility closer to the Adult and Children’s hospitals and other key research facilities, reflecting a desire to integrate VVMF into the Westmead Health Precinct.
• Enhanced connectivity between the new VVMF, original pilot facility, and the academic, research and clinical flagships on the Westmead precinct. 
• A commitment to showcasing the facility’s research by providing high visibility into the labs from the surrounding workspace.
• Sustainable design principles that include adaptive reuse, low-embodied energy and a high-performing façade. 
• A model that will attract highly professional staff to the Westmead Precinct as it serves as a pioneer in the advancement of viral vaccine research in Australia.

Serving As a “Beacon of Hope” For the Region

As a first-of-its-kind facility in the region, the VVMF presents the Westmead Health Precinct with the exciting opportunity to produce groundbreaking vaccine research and position Australia as an industry leader. With a commitment to establishing a lab that encourages collaboration, transparency and innovation, this “beacon of hope” will stand as the crown jewel of the Precinct, garnering recognition both nationally and internationally for its role in responding to local and global health challenges and setting new industry standards.