Construction is under way at Federation University’s Technology Park in Lydiard Street South to transform four former office suites into two laboratories and administration space.

FECRI management board chairman Emeritus Professor Wayne Robinson said the new site in the Old Brewery Building would be purpose-built and state-of-the-art.

“It will position us to continue the terrific work we do, with room for expansion,” Professor Robinson said.

He said the institute would also be better able to collaborate with the university’s biomedical research scientists.

“It will also allow us access to a 156-seat lecture theatre, board-

room and recreational and lunch room facilities for staff.”

Professor Robinson said FECRI had a 10-year lease, with options for two further five-year stints.

“This will be a great step forward,” he said.

FECRI director Professor George Kannourakis said the move would allow them to further focus on cancer’s immunology.

“The developments in the immunology of cancer will be at the forefront of cancer therapy in the foreseeable future, and cancer patients in Ballarat and the region will be well placed to benefit from these new approaches to treatment,” Professor Kannourakis said.

“The move will allow us to increase the number of research students and scientists over the next few years, and will allow us to further focus on the immunology of cancer.”

FECRI is currently based at the St John of God Hospital’s Mair Street boiler room, which is needed by the hospital for expansion plans.