Revolutionary research hub a step closer
- Co-location of research bodies in $37.7 million state-of-the-art facilities
- Institute named in honour of philanthropic Sarich family’s major contribution
- Second major research facility for QEII Medical Centre
Construction of the Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute at the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Medical Centre reached a major milestone with the final concrete pour signalling the building reaching full height.
Health Minister Kim Hames said the opening date for the $37.7 million facility, which would accommodate five of the State’s premier neurological research organisations, was another step closer with Cockram Construction Ltd on track to finish practical completion of the building later this year.
“This project heralds an exciting era in world-class neuroscience research in Western Australia and there’s no doubt that without the efforts of Professor Bryant Stokes and the Sarich family, this project would not have progressed as it has today,” Dr Hames said.
“Professor Stokes is an eminent, highly experienced and well-regarded neurosurgeon and he has been a tireless driving force behind this project.”
The Minister said the Sarich family’s generous contribution of $20 million was one of WA’s largest ever personal donations. It joins State Government funding of $5 million along with $7.2 million in Lotterywest grants, $3.5 million from Curtin University, and $1 million each from the Wheatley family and The University of Western Australia.
Dr Hames said the institute would accommodate Curtin University’s Neuroscience Research Laboratory, the Ear Science Institute of Australia (ESIA), the McCusker Alzheimer’s Research Foundation (MARF), the Neurofinity Surgical NeuroDiscovery Group and the Western Australian Neuroscience Research Institute (WANRI).
“When completed the new facility will incorporate 8,932 square metres of clinical amenities including rooms for assessments and treatments, along with tissue culture laboratories and facilities for movement analysis, physiology research, experiments and cryogenic archival storage,” he said.
“The QEII Medical Centre has undergone significant expansion in recent years, and the presence of the Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute will further enrich the site’s growing reputation as a go-to hub of excellence in clinical services, education and research.”
Fact File
- Construction completion due late 2016
- Lotterywest contribution involves grants for ESIA, MARF and WANRI
- QEII Medical Centre includes expanded PathWest laboratories and the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research
- For more information, visit http://www.qeiiredevelopment.health.wa.gov.au
Source: News Release, Government of Western Australia, 22 February, 2015