Planning application submitted for Clinical Research Centre

Since proposals for a new Clinical Research Centre at the Ninewells campus were first unveiled in 2003, plans have been under development for the £12.1 million centre. A planning application for the project has now been lodged with Dundee City Council and, subject to approval, work is expected to begin in September.

The CRC will be sited within a state of-the-art three-storey facility on the north-eastern point of the Ninewells building, across from the multi story car park. The lower floor will house the new clinical imaging suite, which is planned to hold an MRI scanner and a PET scanner. This unit will be the focus of a new research direction for the University and a Professor in Clinical Imaging is currently being sought to head up this unit.

Alison Coughtrie who is heading up the CRC project said, "The clinical research staff in both the University and NHS will now have access to a state of the art facility.

"The specialised nursing staff that will work within the CRC will ensure that patients and other volunteers receive the highest quality care in a pleasant environment. This is a very exciting development here at Ninewells and we are looking forward to seeing this innovative building start to take shape."

Construction work is expected to be completed in late 2006, with the first patients being treated in early 2007.