Planning Begins on Cutting-Edge WA Medical Research Hub

February 7th, 2008 - Media Statement

The next phase of planning is under way for a new $100 million state-of-the-art medical research facility at the QEII Medical Centre site, following the recent appointment of renowned design firm Hames Sharley and UK-based firm LCE as the architects and planners for the project.

The Western Australian Institute for Medical Research's (WAIMR) new home will provide WAIMR scientists with a cutting-edge base for their ground-breaking research into diseases such as cancer, diabetes and muscle disorders.

Hames Sharley's Architect for the upcoming facility at the QEII site, James Edwards, said he believed this was a great opportunity to design an outstanding new facility.

"The building will be a landmark project and will harness the latest advances in scientific, technological and research developments in Australia and abroad," Mr Edwards said.

"Using sustainable evidence based design principles, we aim to create an environment that stimulates the best research outcomes for staff and visiting researchers within."

WAIMR Director Professor Peter Klinken said he was delighted Hames Sharley had been appointed to assist with designing the Institute's first new facility.

"These new centres will be on par with the world's best and, as such, act as a beacon to help us recruit to and keep the world's best medical researchers in Western Australia," he said.

"Cutting edge design will no doubt help us in this pursuit, so Hames Sharley and LCE's considerable expertise in this area will no doubt serve us well."

Hames Sharley has been honoured by industry bodies for its role in the development of the UWA Biomedical Research Facility in Shenton Park and was part of the creation of the Oral Health Centre of WA in Nedlands.

Hames Sharley is also working on notable projects including the Fiona Stanley Hospital and Rockingham Hospital.

For more information please contact:
Natalie Papadopoulos
Media Consultant for the WA Institute for Medical Research
Mobile: 0407 984 435
Office: (08) 9388 9280