The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) is a purpose built centre of excellence, delivered as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) under the Government’s Partnerships Victoria framework. This world class facility has been specifically designed to support translational research, education and comprehensive cancer care and is located within the prestigious Melbourne Biomedical Precinct in Parkville. The building brings together a network of partners including Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne Health and University of Melbourne to form the VCCC Alliance. This “network” is reflected in the spiralling forms expressed across the façade of the building, and also in the organically formed atrium within. The brief was to make an iconic statement and attract the best cancer clinicians and researchers from across the world.

The facility is designed to deliver maximum seamless care and research and provides 90,000m2 across 13 floor above ground and 4 basement levels for carparking, services and radiotherapy. The VCCC extends its connections across to the Royal Melbourne Hospital campus, with 3 bridge links connecting patients, services and staff across Grattan Street. This reinforces the precinct and fosters collaborations and connection.

The clinical component across both buildings includes 160 overnight beds (72% single), with a 42 bed intensive care unit, 110 chemotherapy places, 24 bed clinical trials unit, country patient accommodation and 8 radiotherapy bunkers. An education floor sits in the middle of the main VCCC building and provides world class education and training facilities.

1200 researchers occupy the wet research floors from levels 7-12. Dry research is located on the lower floors, embedded within the clinical components to foster interaction amongst researchers and clinicians.

The interiors provide a calming, reassuring palette with use of Victorian timbers in key locations such as patient lifts, and receptions as a wayfinding cue. Magenta has been used to identify receptions and waiting areas. There are seven landscaped roof gardens for patients, public and researchers embedded through the building, maximising connection to nature, and the views of the surrounding cityscape.

STH, in association with Design Inc (STHDI) and MCR Architects designed, planned and delivered this facility as part of the Plenary Health consortium.

VCCC has won numerous awards, culminating with the Victorian Medal at the AIA 2018 Awards.

PROJECT SIZE: 90,000 m²

STATUS: Completed 2016

CLIENT: Plenary Health VHHSBA (Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority)

PHOTOGRAPHY: Peter Bennetts