Exactly six months away from the scheduled finishing date, the new HMRI Building is a hive of construction activity.

Exactly six months away from the scheduled finishing date, the new HMRI Building is a hive of construction activity.

Installation of the pod’s facade, arguably the visual centrepiece of the building, has commenced and the cement pour was recently completed for a “skywalk” bridge which provides connectivity with the hospital grounds.

At $90 million, it is the largest construction project currently underway in the Hunter Region and involves a huge local workforce. When completed around March 27 next year, the facility will unite and align four HMRI research programs under one roof.

HMRI researchers have outgrown their existing facilities. The David Maddison Building in Newcastle has to be vacated next year, while Hunter New England Health is looking to expand its neonatal services into the space currently occupied by HMRI.

“The philosophy behind the building design ensures interaction between researchers to encourage the exchange of ideas. Sharing their ideas will lead to innovative research and better health outcomes,” HMRI Director Maree Gleeson said.