Value

The RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility, located at Macquarie University’s Wallumattagal Campus in Sydney, represents a groundbreaking investment in Australia's biotechnology sector. The state-of-the-art facility, backed by a $96 million NSW Government investment, is set to enhance RNA-based therapeutics and vaccine research while boosting Australia’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the facility will provide critical infrastructure to support the development of RNA-based vaccines and medical treatments, advancing Australia’s standing in global biotechnology innovation. HINSW supported the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer in building the new facility to enable research, development and production of a broad spectrum of RNA technologies locally.

As the appointed Crown Certifier, MBC Group has been engaged by Hindmarsh Construction to oversee compliance, regulatory approvals, and certification throughout the facility’s development, ensuring that the project meets all statutory, safety, and accessibility standards from concept to completion.

Our Role and Expertise

1) Crown Certification & Compliance Management

We provide end-to-end certification services, ensuring that the RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility adheres to NCC 2022 and all relevant regulatory frameworks. Our role includes:

- acting as Principal Certifier to oversee compliance across all construction phases.

- BCA consultancy, ensuring adherence to performance-based and deemed-to-satisfy requirements.

- DDA consultancy, facilitating equitable access to research and production spaces.

2) Fire Safety and Laboratory-Specific Regulations

Given the facility’s function as a research and pilot manufacturing hub, we play a key role in advising on fire safety strategies, hazardous material containment, and emergency egress solutions. We work closely with:

- Fire Engineers to develop Performance Solutions for fire compartmentation and hazardous material management.

- designers to implement fire-rated zones within the facility, ensuring compliance with stringent research laboratory safety standards.

- NSW Fire & Rescue to streamline approvals and emergency access considerations.

3) Complex Infrastructure Certification

The facility incorporates clean rooms, biosafety laboratories, and advanced biopharmaceutical production areas. To address these complexities, we advise on the following issues:

- mechanical and ventilation systems to meet strict contamination control measures.

- integration of specialist medical gas and waste disposal infrastructure.

- compliance reviews for structural integrity and resilience against contamination risks.

4) Accessibility & Future-Readiness

A core component of our consultancy is ensuring the facility meets universal design principles. This includes:

- ensuring laboratory and research spaces adhere to AS1428.1 accessibility requirements.

- implementing wayfinding strategies to improve navigation for diverse user groups.

- advising on adaptive design features to accommodate future expansions and technological advancements.

Challenges and Solutions

1) Navigating Crown Development Regulations

Challenge: Compliance with Crown Certification processes required meticulous coordination with NSW regulatory bodies.

Solution: MBC Group facilitated early-stage approvals, ensuring seamless alignment with NSW Government guidelines.

2) Balancing Fire Safety with Laboratory Functionality

Challenge: The facility’s highly controlled environments required tailored fire safety solutions.

Solution: MBC Group worked alongside fire safety engineers to develop bespoke fire strategies while maintaining laboratory integrity.

3) Integrating Sustainability with Compliance

Challenge: The project aims for a sustainable footprint while meeting strict biotech manufacturing requirements.

Solution: MBC Group ensured energy-efficient compliance strategies, supporting the project’s Green Star certification goals.

Our role in ensuring regulatory compliance, safety, and accessibility will be instrumental in the successful realisation of this landmark facility. Our involvement will help establish a world-class research environment that meets the highest standards of safety, functionality, and innovation.

The RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility stands as a testament our expertise in Crown Certification, BCA compliance, and specialist biotech infrastructure approvals. By ensuring seamless regulatory compliance and future-proof design, MBC Group has played a pivotal role in delivering a facility that will drive medical innovation and biopharmaceutical advancements for years to come.

For more information on MBC Group’s role in leading-edge infrastructure certification, please contact us.