About Us
Western Centre for Health Research and Education (CHRE) became operational in July 2011.
The Centre provides a range of purpose built, state-of the-art teaching and research facilities and provides a pivotal role in staff and student education and research activities.
The total cost was $51.6 million – funded through the following contributions:
$28.6 million from the Victorian Government
$7 million from the Australian Government
$8 million from the University of Melbourne
$8 million from Victoria University
The Centre is home to the Western Clinical School for Medicine and Allied Health in partnership with the University of Melbourne and also houses researchers, academics and educators from Western Health, Victoria University and the University of Melbourne.
The Centre has enabled a number of collaborative projects and opportunities researching diseases that affect our local communities and has placed Western Health as a centre of excellence in academic and research fields.
The Western Centre for Health Research and Education is a four storey building and contains 58 offices and 115 work station spaces.
It also houses the following key areas:
Simulation Centre
UoM Clinical School
Library Facilities
Training and Education rooms
Academic areas
Research areas
Laboratory
Metabolic Gym
Clinical Trial rooms
Staff and student amenities
Silver Thomas Hanley Pty Ltd were the designers and it was built by Cockram Constructions.
The unique aspect of this facility is that it has been designed and built to reflect a philosophy of collaboration and partnership.
The building features a range of initiatives aimed at minimising its impact on the environment.
These include:
A lighting system with motion sensors to automatically turn off lighting when rooms are not occupied
Rainwater is captured and recycled
An air conditioning system with timed controls to reduce the power needs after hours
Windows which open to increase fresh air flow
Double glazing to reduce temperature loss through the glass
Stairs which are designed and fitted out to be welcoming, encouraging people to walk through the building rather than use the passenger lifts.
