October updates from BioDistrict New Orleans: Welcoming Ochsner and Working Paper 8

BioDistrict New Orleans has released it’s latest newsletter highlighting events and announcements within the 1500 acres of the biodistrict spanning Downtown and Mid-City in New Orleans.

Ochsner Welcomed by BioDistrict: Relocating to Benson Tower

BioDistrict New Orleans is welcoming Ochsner Health System, the regions largest healthcare provider, to its new address inside Benson Towers located in the BioDistrict footprint. Approximately 750 administrative employees and executives will move to the top floors of the newly renovated Benson Towers on Poydras Street.

The move of Ochsner employees into the BioDistrict, just steps away from the new University Medical Center and VA hospitals, the Louisiana Cancer Research and the BioInnovation Centers, will prove to be a great asset to the area and the BioDistrict. The relocation of Ochsner highlights the importance of a trained workforce.

As part of the BioDistrict Master Plan proposes the creation of a Health Education Campus where employers will be able to train, recruit and provide life long learning for their current and future employees. Click here to read coverage about Ochsner’s move.

Meet the Industry Series: Spotlight on Laboratory Technologies

On September 26th, BioDistrict New Orleans along with partners NOLA Business Alliance and FOGO Data Centers hosted the Meet the Industry Series, highlighting the work done by Debra C. Sharpe, director of laboratory services and compliance for Working Buildings Companies. Sharpe shared information about laboratory design, commissioning, regulatory compliance services and facilities maintenance and management–all significant topics for the emerging biotech industry in New Orleans, the opening of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center and the ongoing construction of the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, University Medical Center and VA hospitals.

The audience consisted of architects, researchers, educators and economic developers, which fostered a vibrant and illuminating Q & A period. A key point was made to those in attendance about the opportunities to participate in the supply chain to this emerging industry. Click here to see Sharpe’s presentation on laboratory technologies.

Working Paper 8 Published: Creates Refined BioDistrict Plan

Working Paper 8 is now complete and has been published for review on the BioDistrict website. The purpose of Task 8, Preferred Plan, was to use the stakeholder feedback gathered during the Task 7 alternatives workshops to create a single, refined plan for the BioDistrict.

The next step, and perhaps the most critical, is to combine research gathered with the other efforts that have emerged since the inception of this process, i.e., the Iberville CNI, Champion Square Entertainment District, and the Claiborne Corridor Study.

BioDistrict New Orleans continues to believe that working with stakeholders, community groups, elected officials and members of the City, State and Federal agencies – who have an interest in seeing the bioscience industry succeed in New Orleans, will yield the best result. Click here to access and review Working Paper 8 and the comprehensive plan for BioDistrict New Orleans.