Cockram wins $30m Sarich build

The Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute in Nedlands has moved a step closer towards development, with a construction contractor appointed to build the facility.

Located on the Verdun Street boundary of the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre campus, the building will be home to the McCusker Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, the Australian Neuromuscular Research Institute, the Ear Science Institute of Australia, and the Neurofinity Surgican NeuroDiscovery Group.

Cockram Construction has been awarded a $30.3 million contract to build the institute.

A spokesperson from the North Metropolitan Health Services said construction would begin on the five-storey building in coming weeks, with a scheduled completion date in late 2016.

“The QEII Medical Centre has undergone significant expansion in recent years, and the presence of the Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute will further enhance the site’s reputation as a centre of education and research excellence,” the spokesperson said.

The facility, which will house more than 1,500 medical and scientific researchers, has been part-funded with $7.2 million worth of Lotterywest grants and a $20 million donation by Perth businessman Ralph Sarich.

The institute was announced in 2008 as part of a $360 million investment program by the state government to build new research centres and hospitals, as well as refurbishment on current hospitals and research precincts.

Leederville-based Bateman Architects designed the Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute.