Construction of the new Hunter Medical Research Institute building will reach a significant stage today with the pouring of the ground floor slab.

Construction of the new Hunter Medical Research Institute building will reach a significant stage today with the pouring of the ground floor slab.

Concreting began at daylight following months of preparations since Cockram Construction received handover of the site last November, which included pouring of the sub-floor concrete slab to accommodate the 150,000 litre rain water tank in the building’s basement.

“The pouring of the main slab is a major step and highlights progress of the building being on time,” HMRI Chairman, Bob Kennedy said.

“Until now the building work conducted has not been of a visual nature but when the slab is complete we will begin to see rapid progression.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle company, Gerrard Murphy Pty Ltd has been awarded the hydraulics subcontract for the medical research facility.

The appointment follows a commitment by Cockram to work with Hunter contractors who meet the strict criteria necessary for specialised laboratory construction.

“Cockram has a long history of engaging local workforces both nationally and internationally and we welcome Gerrard Murphy on board for this important community project,” Cockram Construction Director and General Manager Australia, Matthew Dalmau said.

“We are proud to be appointed to work with Cockram on the HMRI building project” Managing Director, Andrew Murphy said.

”The facility will be world class and our company has the appropriate expertise to successfully complete the hydraulic component of the project.”

Other local sub contractor appointments are:

• Hunter Readymixed Concrete (Conctrete)
• John Claydon Constructions (Steel Reinforcement)
• RPS Australia East (Surveyors)

Appointed sub contractors with a major presence in the Hunter include:

• On Site Rentals (Site Accommodation)
• Abode Corporate Group (Site Security Fencing)
• Ward Civil Environmental & Engineering (Excavation & Footings)
• Mesh & Bar (Reinforcement Supply)

Community fundraising for the building is continuing through the HMRI Capital Campaign.

HMRI Foundation Chairman, Glenn Turner said progress is steady and remains on track to achieve set targets.

“The Capital Campaign plays a crucial role in delivering our community funding commitment to the HMRI building,” he said.

“We are encouraged by the support the Capital Campaign has received to date from Hunter companies and business identities.”