MSWA and the state government have both committed additional funds to meet significantly increased construction costs for the long-awaited 24-hour care facility in Shenton Park.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA and the state government have both committed additional funds to meet significantly increased construction costs for the long-awaited 24-hour care facility in Shenton Park.
MSWA has invested an additional $7.8 million on top of its initial $5 million to help bring its high-support accommodation facility in Montario Quarter to fruition in 2026.
The state government had also tipped in an additional $5 million to its original $9 million investment into the centre, bringing the total funding package from both parties to $26.8 million.
That comes after the major infrastructure project was initially projected to cost $14 million several years ago.
As a result of what it called challenging market forces and pandemic-induced factors, MSWA said the cost of building the facility had significantly increased since planning work started in 2019.
MSWA said the additional funds allowed it to proceed with the long-awaited project without compromising on quality, after serval alternative options were explored.
The 20-unit facility is expected to provide 24-hour, long-term, high-support accommodation options for adults experiencing spinal cord injuries or living with a neurological condition.
It will accommodate the remaining long-term clients at the Quadriplegic Centre in Shenton Park as a priority, who MSWA said have been closely consulted throughout the development process.
The centre will be built on Guttmann Approach within the old Shenton Park Rehabilitation Hospital site in Development WA’s 16-hectare Montario Quarter.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2024, with completion tipped for 2026 to make it MSWA’s 22nd facility for people with neurological conditions across Western Australia.
MSWA chief executive Melanie Kiely said after years on development and consultation, MSWA was excited to proceed with the major infrastructure project.
“We are pleased the state government shares our vision to provide the best possible home in this high-support accommodation facility for residents of the Quadriplegic Centre, and other Western Australians impacted by neurological conditions and spinal cord injury,” she said.
“It is estimated more than 1,100 people are living with spinal cord injury in WA, so we must create a centre that is fit-for-purpose in today’s world, but also looking to future demand.
“MSWA would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents and carers of the quadriplegic centre for their patience during this process.”
Planning for the centre began in 2019, with the state government chipping in its original funding amount in August 2020 and MSWA lodging plans with the government in late 2022.
“It has been a challenging period with industry disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but our team is eagerly focused on delivering the world-class centre our future residents want and deserve as quickly as possible,” Ms Kiely said.
“We extend our gratitude to the Department of Health and WA government for partnering with us to deliver on our commitment and acknowledge our MSWA community supporters without whom this impactful investment would not be possible.”
A state government spokesperson said the funding would assist MSWA with project cost escalations, given the current construction market.
"The state government is committed to continue to work with MSWA to construct a contemporary facility to accommodate long-term residents of the Quadriplegic Centre within the Montario Quarter," they said.
