UNSW Health Translation Hub

The University of New South Wales Health Translation Hub (HTH) represents a new benchmark for integrated health, research, and education facilities. Located in the heart of the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct, this landmark development combines clinical, academic, and public spaces within a single vertical structure, requiring exceptional planning, innovation, and collaboration.

For Hansen Yuncken, the project was as complex as it was rewarding. “The HTH is one of the most high-value, high-profile projects we’ve delivered,” said Justin Sut, Project Manager. “It brought together diverse stakeholders, ambitious design elements, and highly technical requirements, all while building in the middle of a live hospital and university precinct.”

Building within the operational Randwick health precinct required meticulous logistics and stakeholder coordination. Hansen Yuncken managed interfaces with the Sydney Children’s Hospital main contractor, co-ordinated crane strategies and shared access arrangements, and implemented a robust programme of regular interface meetings to mitigate potential conflicts.

“The site posed unique challenges,” Justin explained. “We had to plan around aviation constraints under PANS-OPS, which affected our building height and crane operations for a three-month period. At the same time, we needed to maintain safe access for the hospital, UNSW, and the light rail corridor, supported by dedicated traffic control and logistics management.”

The team also handled complex façade design and installation, the prefabricated Wallace Wurth Link Bridge, and an atrium sequence that required innovative planning to resolve buildability challenges. “Early procurement and close collaboration with specialist subcontractors were key to keeping the programme on track,” Justin said.

With a 6-Star Green Star rating and net-zero carbon target, sustainability was embedded into every decision. Hansen Yuncken engaged a specialist Green Star consultant from the outset and trained its project team to align daily operations with strict sustainability goals.

“Collaboration was critical,” Justin noted. “We worked closely with our subcontractors to ensure material selections, waste reduction initiatives, and energy-efficient construction methods were delivered as planned. Sustainability wasn’t just a checkbox, it drove our approach from design through to handover.”

Digital tools and real-time reporting platforms also supported efficient monitoring, incident management, and project visibility, enhancing both safety and environmental performance.

Given the building’s mix of clinical, simulation, education, and public-use spaces, early stakeholder engagement was essential. Hansen Yuncken coordinated regular design and user group workshops with UNSW, consultants, and end users to ensure operational flow and spatial relationships were optimised.

The collaboration extended to the project’s architectural partners. “We workshopped the design with Architectus and presented updates to the client throughout each stage,” Justin said. “This process ensured every requirement was captured, feedback was addressed, and the design remained true to the project vision.”

For Hansen Yuncken, the HTH is more than a construction achievement, it is a legacy project for the health and education sectors in New South Wales. “In terms of complexity, innovation, and impact, the HTH raised the bar across all fronts,” Justin explained.

“It’s a flagship example of how collaborative delivery, sustainable construction, and technical excellence can come together to transform a precinct and a community.”

With its completion, the UNSW Health Translation Hub not only strengthens the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct but also sets a new standard for integrated health and research infrastructure.

Beyond its architectural and technical significance, the project delivers a tangible benefit to the community, bringing world-class research, clinical innovation, and learning spaces into closer connection than ever before.

Hansen Yuncken’s involvement ensures that this state-of-the-art hub will support the next generation of healthcare advancements and educational excellence, leaving a lasting mark on the precinct and the people it serves.

For more information contact Hansen Yuncken, phone 02 9770 7600, email sydney@hansenyuncken.com.au, website www.hansenyuncken.com.au