James Cook University Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre

BESIX Watpac is managing the construction of James Cook University’s (JCU) Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre (CTEC) a flagship initiative JCU, designed to become a hub for clinical education, research, and innovation in tropical health and related disciplines. Located adjacent to Cairns Hospital, CTEC is a key component of the Far North Queensland Health and Innovation Precinct (FNQHIP), now known as the Dugurrdja Precinct, a name gifted by the local Yidinji Traditional Owners.

CTEC is the first in Cairns to feature a structure made from glued laminated beams and cross-laminated timber floor and wall panels. CTEC project will see the development of a purpose-designed, four-storey, 3,500m2 teaching and research facility, aimed at elevating tropical studies. The building forms part of the Far North Queensland Health Innovation Precinct and will stand alongside the Carins Hospital’s new surgical centre.  The four-storey building will house a multi-disciplinary Educational Facility on the ground floor, with teaching and research facilities on the floors above. It will also be a meeting point where health and medical staff can connect with JCU’s engineers, data scientists, and IT specialists.