The Central Coast community will be able to take a sneak peek into the new $72.5 million Central Coast Research Institute (CCRI) and University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School (UONCCCS) with new vision publicly available today.
Today Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and State Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch, University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, and Central Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Dr Andrew Montague released fly-through vision of the six-storey research and education facility.
Located at Gosford Hospital, the CCRI and UONCCCS will house state-of-the-art learning areas including simulation wards and laboratories that will be home to the future of healthcare.
The CCRI and UONCCCS will operate partnerships between the University of Newcastle and the Central Coast Local Health District and will see staff move into the new building from early 2021, with students to be welcomed from Semester 2, in 2021 (August).
World-class research
Mrs Wicks said the building will be home to pioneering research through the CCRI.
“This first for the Central Coast will not only create a centre of excellence in healthcare, research and education right here on the Central Coast, but will also prove to be a huge economic boon for the region. We know that Universities can transform local economies like the Central Coast and help drive future job growth and opportunities.
“I’m so happy that young people on the Central Coast will now have even more opportunity to gain a world-class education close to home. It’s important that students across the Central Coast will now be able to see a University campus in Gosford and think, that’s where I’m going when I finish high school.”
Researchers will have access to dedicated and collaborative spaces, including specialist anatomy, histology and molecular laboratories and a microbiological physical containment level 2 – or PC2 – lab fit to carry out world-class research.
State-of-the-art learning
Spread across four floors, the University of Newcastle’s new clinical school will feature a 100-seat lectorial space, seminar rooms, problem-based learning spaces and breakout areas for students, as well as a library.
The building will include three simulation labs, and laboratory settings that would expose students to real-life situations they could expect to experience as public health providers when they entered the workforce.
“The University of Newcastle believes that our new Central Coast Clinical School will strengthen the connection for students between education and healthcare on the Central Coast,” Professor Zelinsky said. The Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute is a jointly funded facility with investment from the Australian Government, the NSW Government and the University of Newcastle.
“Through our partnership with the Central Coast Local Health District, we are establishing a framework for practical application of lessons in local clinical settings, developing high-quality health practitioners who are reflective of the public health needs of the community in which they will work.”
Collaborative spaces
Dr Montague said the facility will carry out world-class research into integrated care and population health, while training the next generation of doctors and nurses.
“With a growing population that has changing and complex health needs, it’s important we invest in pioneering research and world-class education that creates healthier and more vibrant communities,” Dr Montague said.
Mr Crouch said the relationship between health research and education, would create a foundation for the Coast to become a leader in integrated healthcare.”
“This fantastic facility will ensure our doctors and nurses of the future benefit from a world-class learning environment, have access to health professionals under the same roof, and be located on the doorstep of Gosford Hospital,” Mr Crouch said.
“I’m pleased the NSW Government, Australian Government and University of Newcastle can work together to deliver significant education and health benefits to our Central Coast community.”
Supporting local construction business
As work on the building’s exterior continues, Mrs Wicks announced the appointment of Richard Crookes Construction as the fit-out contractor.
“As we move from the structural phase of construction to the detailed fit-out of the building, the reality of this world-class facility gets closer and I’m pleased that a regional business is continuing its work on this world-class facility,” Mrs Wicks said.
The building in numbers
• 9,515 square metres
• 6 floors of education, research, office and retail space
• 207 rooms and breakout areas, including: o 9 lecture and seminar rooms
• 15 learning suites, consultation, training and teaching rooms
• 6 problem-based learning areas
• 3 simulation wards
• 1 simulation laboratory
• 4 research laboratories
