Neuroscience Research Australia is on the way to creating a new Neuroscience Research Precinct, cementing it as one of the biggest research centres in Australia.

The Precinct will include state-of-the-art clinical research and laboratory facilities, enabling researchers to tackle the impact of disorders of the brain and nervous system.

CEO of Neuroscience Research Australia, Professor Peter Schofield, said, ​“The new Neuroscience Research Precinct will provide six storeys of purpose built laboratory and clinical research space. This will allow us to attract and retain brilliant minds in NSW.”

Professor Schofield emphasised that the precinct represents more than just a new building.

“This new space is designed to help researchers collaborate and therefore innovate, which is key to us conquering and curing brain diseases.”

The approval will allow NeuRA to commence the construction of the first of four stages of the Precinct: a seven level, 8,165 square metre building (six floors and plant room), located on the corner of Barker and Easy Streets.

This first stage will increase the research capacity to a total of 12,240 square metres, including the existing NeuRA facilities.

Financed by a $30m Commonwealth Government Grant and including $5m from NeuRA’s supporters and benefactors, NeuRA has the funds to construct this stage of the project, which will commence immediately.

The planning approval allows the further development of the Neuroscience Research Precinct, with the approval of the four stage development allowing a seven floor, 25,470 square metre research facility, which will have the capacity for up to 700 research staff.

Construction of the full project is dependent upon securing additional funding.

The approval will help ensure NeuRA remains a leader in mental health, brain injury and neurological disease research and will support NeuRA’s capacity to make breakthroughs that will result in improved health for people with a wide range of neurological and psychiatric conditions.