Hunter Medical Research Insitute Chairman, Bob Kennedy today announced Medical Research Laboratory specialists, Hooker Cockram, as main works contractor for the HMRI research facility.

Hunter Medical Research Insitute Chairman, Bob Kennedy today announced Medical Research Laboratory specialists, Hooker Cockram, as main works contractor for the HMRI research facility.

“The construction of a state of the art facility will be an important hub for 450 of our leading researchers to share ideas under the one roof and facilitate major health improvements for the Hunter. This is a terrific milestone for HMRI and the community,” Mr Kennedy said.

“Our obligation to the community is to deliver a world class research facility on time, on budget and constructed to the highest technical standards and I have every confidence Hooker Cockram will deliver.

The $90-million, 16,000 square metre building will be constructed on the Rankin Park campus adjacent to John Hunter Hospital, accommodating 450 medical researchers and HMRI’s administration operations. Construction is expected to create more than 680 jobs and inject an estimated $180-million into the local economy by completion in January 2012.

Hooker Cockram’s Australian Director & General Manager, Mr Matthew Dalmau said: “As a wholly owned Australian Company, with a reputation for delivering similar complex facilities around the world, we are delighted to again have the opportunity to use our renowned specialist expertise to create such a worthwhile and critical piece of research infrastructure for the Hunter community.”

“Hooker Cockram is determined to engage with the local subcontracting community and expect the majority of trade contractors to be sourced from within the region.”

Hooker Cockram’s appointment finalises a lengthy tender process conducted on behalf of HMRI by its Project Director, APP Corporation and in consultation with representatives from the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and New South Wales Health.

HMRI Director, Professor Maree Gleeson thanked the stakeholders and partners who have contributed to the tender process.

“A great number of people have provided valuable input and guidance in the lead up to this historical moment in the Hunter’s history. Our region is now firmly on the global stage for medical research,” Professor Gleeson said.

Federal Member for Charlton, Greg Combet will officially signal the commencement of construction at an official function next week with the sealing of a 50 year Time Capsule.

HMRI is a partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and the community.