Plans for a 2.5 million-square-foot expansion at McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) in Hamilton, Ontario will see new spaces added to the innovation and research facility that already houses close to 100 companies in sectors like manufacturing and life sciences.

This will include the redevelopment of an office and production complex, new facilities dedicated to commercialization and entrepreneurship, and a ‘megahub’ for the life sciences sector—an industry that has positioned the GTA-Buffalo region as a global leader, with MIP said to be at the epicentre.

“From a life sciences standpoint, we are at the threshold of tremendous discoveries which hold the potential to radically transform our understanding of human health, disease and treatment,” says Ty Shattuck, CEO of MIP. “This is occurring rapidly and on a global scale. Within that global context MIP is situated in a highly productive region of scientific investigation and exchange, contributing materially to the life sciences nationally and internationally.”

Once the whole expansion is complete, 5000 employees are expected to be working at the park, which is also targeting carbon-neutral status. Architecture firm mcCallumSather is leading the master planning process.

“It was important that the plan met long-term objectives to create a desirable destination that positions MIP as a dynamic leader in the field,” says Christina Karney, project manager and associate. “The mix of uses provides users with inspirational, connected spaces that foster collaboration while providing a design framework that manages infrastructure challenges and opportunities.”