Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)

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IMAS Building Project

Artist impression of IMAS building

The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) is an institute of the University of Tasmania and is run by an independent board under the leadership of an independent chair.

Construction of the new $45 million IMAS building on Hobart's waterfront has begun. The project is an initiative of the Australian Government as part of the Education Investment Fund. IMAS was created by the University of Tasmania in 2010 and is currently housed at the Sandy Bay campus.

IMAS aspires to be a leading global institution for temperate marine, Southern Ocean and Antarctic research. The new IMAS building, funded by the Commonwealth and on land provided by the Tasmanian Government, will bring together much of Tasmania's considerable strengths in marine and Antarctic studies in one precinct, offering opportunities for collaborative research of state, national and international significance.

Construction, which follows an extensive planning and consultation process, is expected to take about 18 months, with an anticipated completion date in mid 2013.

The building will provide teaching and research facilities for around 290 staff and students.

The IMAS building has been designed to be efficient and inspiring, flexible and adaptable and promote internal and external public interaction. The design is sympathetic to the important history of the area and its former and current maritime uses, but will also be long-lasting and memorable. The building will have a 5 Star Green Star classification.

For more information on IMAS, visit the IMAS website

For information on the IMAS waterfront building, contact the IMAS Project Stakeholder Manager:

Private Bag 111
Hobart Tasmania 7001

IMAScommunity@jhg.com.au

Project Progress

The new Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) building will be constructed on the site of the existing Princes Wharf No. 2 shed.

Hobart Waterfront

Constructions follows and extensive planning and consultation process.

The new IMAS building will have a gross floor area of approximately 7000 square metres, constructed over 3 levels with a strong public and port interface. The height of the building will not be greater than the adjacent CSIRO facility. The building will be set back on the wharf apron to facilitate port operations, and improve public accessibility. The publicly accessible ground level will include an auditorium and exhibition space.

UTAS wants the community to connect and engage with its University and believes that locating the IMAS building on the Hobart waterfront will help make the University more accessible and encourage participation from a wider part of the community.

Managing John Holland/Fairbrother completed demolition of the Princess Wharf No. 2 shed in 2011 and construction of the new building began in Feburary 2012.