In November of last year, the University stated that it was considering a new Health Sciences building project with a budget of $138,661,000.
$138,660,000 is a lot of money. That is the same price as 63,027,727 packets of Bluebird Salt and Vinegar Chips, or 63,027,726 packets of chips and a single can of Red Bull.
$138,660,000 is a few thousand dollars off meeting the budget of Spider-Man (2002) starring Tobey Maguire. One student said, “I did not know that Spider-Man cost that much.”
In the planning document released in November, the University said that the building was still in the very first stages and was undergoing evaluation. A University Spokesman has said that the “University is undertaking a master planning process which will map out a building and renovation works programme for the Health Sciences Division for decades to come.”
The planning process includes a proposal for a new building, which has the placeholder name ‘Health Sciences 1’.
Many students were not happy to hear the news. One student said “I think that's fucking ridiculous, especially considering the state of the Arts Department and the general cuts happening to other science departments.” She continued, “Health Sci is important, no doubt. But take a fucking break and tear down Burns for Christ’s sake.”
Another student was unsure how he felt. “It would be dependent on what the building was being used for. I don't really wanna pass judgement on it until I know it’s purpose.”
The ominously named “Master Plan” is set to be completed in mid-2020. A University spokesperson said it “will include an outline of how the Division uses its existing space”, as well as “recommend proposed locations for our departments and facilities”. The details of any new buildings in the Health Precinct as a result of the “master planning process” are unknown at this point.