The Federal Government announced last night it has committed $44.7 million towards the development of a new building project for the Menzies Research Institute and clinical research from the Royal Hobart Hospital, in Hobart.

The Federal Government announced last night it has committed $44.7 million towards the development of a new building project for the Menzies Research Institute and clinical research from the Royal Hobart Hospital, in Hobart.

Menzies' Director, Professor Simon Foote, today announced that a $90 million complex, known as Stage Two, will be developed next to the new UTAS Medical Sciences Building (Stage One), at the corner of Liverpool and Campbell streets.

Development of the Stage Two project is to commence immediately.

The Stage Two project will receive matching support from the University of Tasmania, State Government, and United States based philanthropy Atlantic Philanthropies.  The building will house the Menzies Research Institute and the clinical research facilities of the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Professor Foote said he was very pleased to be able to secure the future viability of Menzies and to contribute to the economic growth of the State by receiving support of the project.

"The new building project will provide for the continuing growth and expansion of Menzies, as we head towards a new era in health and medical research."

"Stage Two will assist in accommodating the 300 hundred staff and research students that we currently employ and to provide space for us to reach or desired size of 500 people," Professor Foote said.

"The new development will attract further high-quality professionals to Tasmania, enable us to expand our research by covering more disease areas, increase our collaborative links throughout Australia and internationally, and provide more opportunities for employment and professional development for researchers and medical professionals."

"This new development will provide state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for medical research not previously seen in Tasmania," Professor Foote said.

Professor Foote said the benefits the development would bring to Tasmania could not be overstated.

"The project has broader significance for the Tasmanian community. The development of Stage Two will secure over 250 construction jobs for Tasmanians over three years, plus work for some 20 Tasmanian professionals, such as architects and engineers over that period," Professor Foote said.

The UTAS Medical Sciences Building (Stage One) is due for completion in late November.

Released by:

Fiona Horwood
Communications Manager
Menzies Research Institute
Telephone:(03) 6226 7751

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