Billard Leece Partnership (BLP) has been granted the role of Lead Architect for the initial design phase of the Queensland Cancer Centre (QCC), ringing in a new era of cancer care in the Sunshine State.
Located on the existing campus of the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital (RBWH) on Turrbal and Yuggera Country, the QCC project, designed in collaboration with Lendlease and LCI Consultants for Health Infrastructure Queensland (HIQ), Queensland Health will redefine what a cancer centre can, and should, offer its patients.
With attention paid to both the physical structure of the edifice and the holistic approach to patient care within, the QCC will set the standard for similar cancer centres in the future.
The facility will feature a warm and welcoming front-of-house, a day therapy service, outpatient consulting rooms (including facilities for telehealth consultations), 150 overnight beds, four operating theatres and will be the only cancer centre in Australia to offer the full spectrum of cancer treatments, including advanced proton therapy.
“The Queensland Cancer Centre is not just a building, it’s a commitment to the future of cancer care in Queensland,” BLP managing director Tara Veldman says. “As lead architects, BLP is proud to be entrusted with the design of QCC, as it plays a pivotal role in Queensland’s healthcare as a beacon of hope and healing.”
As part of the $1.73 billion Queensland Cancer Plan, a 10-year strategy launched by the Miles government to boost cancer services across Queensland, the centre will serve as a testament to innovation, sustainability and community with the integration of green building materials and energy-efficient practices
“My government is doing what matters for Queenslanders and that means delivering world-class health care – no matter where they live in this state,” Premier Steven Miles said in a statement.
Project director and health lead at BLP Alessandro Filippi says he is delighted to support Queensland Health in bringing their vision to life with a facility that fosters healing and tranquillity while being adaptive to the evolving needs of cancer care delivery. He says the QCC has been consciously designed as an outstanding example of the future of health, balancing compassionate care with the latest technology and wellness principles.
When designing the concept for the centre, BLP design lead Brad Dorn focused on community, taking into account the importance of integrating with the public and the urban fabric of the Herston Health Precinct. Dorn views the QCC as not just a healthcare facility but more of a community hub that incorporates landscaped areas throughout the building, promoting a strong “biophilic response for the site”. This design concept increases connectivity to the environment through the use of direct and indirect flora across a variety of spaces such as balconies and seating areas.
QCC is poised to become a central pillar of the community, offering patients not just treatment but the comprehensive support and care they require along their cancer journey. The ambitious design promises to deliver outstanding medical care while symbolising hope and advancement in the field. It is an initiative that Queensland can be proud of in the battle against cancer.
“We know that cancer touches the lives of almost every Queenslander – it not only impacts the individual, but also their families and loved ones,” Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman said in statement. “With more than 33,000 Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer each year, our top priority is for every Queenslander to be able to access the best possible care, no matter where they live.
“I’m really excited to see plans progressing for the new cancer centre which will cement Queensland’s place as a world-leader in providing cutting-edge lifesaving cancer care through the free public health system.”
Images provided.
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