New $1billion cancer centre reaches high milestone
The world-class $1 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) Project has marked an historic milestone, with the 13-storey building in Parkville reaching its full height of 72 metres.
Premier Denis Napthine today applauded the major ‘topping out’ milestone as the final steel beam was lifted into place at the building’s highest peak.
“Construction of the world class $1 billion VCCC Project is on budget and on track to be operational in 2016,” Dr Napthine said.
“The lifting of the final beam signifies the completion of the external structure of the VCCC Project’s south side, with the focus of construction now moving to the façade and internal fit out.”
The development comprises a new 13-storey building bordering Flemington Road, Grattan Street and Elizabeth Street, and the construction of four new floors on top of the existing Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH). The new building and the extension to RMH will be linked by covered bridges above Grattan Street, allowing cancer patients, visitors and staff to move between the two buildings.
Minister for Health David Davis, who joined Dr Napthine at the site, said the $1 billion purpose-built building would provide a brand new home for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and a new cancer research and clinical service space for Melbourne Health.
“It will also provide new cancer research facilities for the University of Melbourne and new education facilities for all of these building partners,” Mr Davis said.
“Through innovation and collaboration, this facility aims to save lives by driving the next generation of breakthroughs in the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer – and ultimately find a cure.”
When complete the facility will feature 160 inpatient beds, a 42-bed intensive care unit, 110 same-day beds, eight operating theatres, two procedure rooms, eight radiation therapy bunkers and more than 25,000 square metres of dedicated space for more than 1,200 cancer researchers.
The VCCC Project is jointly funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments, with contributions from member organisations, the sale of surplus land and philanthropic donations.
The new building is being delivered as a public-private partnership (PPP), led by the Plenary Health Consortium, under the Victorian Government’s Partnerships Victoria Policy.
Dr Napthine said the project is among the more than $4.5 billion of health infrastructure investment underway across Victoria.
“The development is expected to create 5,100 jobs onsite and in offsite support industries, including design and manufacturing, with nearly 1,000 workers currently on site,” Dr Napthine said.
Source: News Release Premier Denis Napthine, 12 October 2014