Construction on the new Georgian Centre for Health and Wellness at the Barrie Campus has become much more visible in the past few weeks, with steel rising up from the ground and impressive excavations into the earth below.

Physical Resources reports the project is progressing well. Workers are currently tackling the initial phase of the overall project. This phase will see completion of the footings/foundations and the steel frame for the building.

Additionally, tree removal and the installation of a new electrical transformer is complete, as are the majority of the storm and sanitary sewers. Power, gas and additional storm and sanitary sewer services are currently being put in place.

The current phase is to be completed by mid-April. A second phase tender went out on March 9. This will be for the building envelope and interiors, as well as completion of landscaping, roads and other outside elements. The building is to be substantially complete by March 31, 2011.

The 165,000-square-foot building will facilitate a collaborative, interprofessional, team-based approach to health sciences education and will include leading-edge laboratories and technology enhanced classrooms. Teaching health clinics will provide student work experience while offering needed health care for students and the public.