Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre

Australia's first ever, purpose-built comprehensive cancer centre

“This is Australia’s first ever, purpose-built comprehensive cancer centre, built with the vision to save lives by connecting the world’s best cancer research, education, treatment and care under one roof.”

Those were the words of Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday 18 July 2016 as he officially opened the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Since then, the vision has become an exciting reality with a multitude of achievements notched up under its amazing glass roof.

First and foremost, the building - located at the heart of the Parkville Biomedical Precinct - is home to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac), Australia’s leading cancer treatment, education and research institute.

It is also a cancer research and education facility for Melbourne Health and the University of Melbourne and the headquarters of the VCCC Alliance. The location also supports shared clinical services between Peter Mac, The Royal Women’s Hospital and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, including a new electronic medical record (EMR) system.

“The best and brightest medical minds will work side-by-side to fast-track future cancer breakthroughs and deliver first-class care and treatment to patients.”

- Premier Daniel Andrews

Victoria’s crowning research jewel

The building provides a home for the VCCC Alliance team on Levels 10 & 13, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, cancer research and clinical services for the Royal Melbourne Hospital (Melbourne Health), cancer research facilities for the University of Melbourne, the Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy and other cancer-related organisations.

The award-winning $1 billion VCCC building was delivered under a public private partnership: the Victorian Government contracted the Plenary Health consortium, comprising Plenary Group, the Grocon / PCL builder joint venture and facilities manager Honeywell to design, build, finance and maintain the project under a 25-year concession. The VCCC was designed by Silver Thomas Hanley, DesignInc and McBride Charles Ryan.

Funding was provided by the Victorian Government, the Australian Government and philanthropy, including $15 million from The Ian Potter Foundation.

Beyond the building

The VCCC building is a demonstration of a purpose-built environment providing the conditions for effective, practical collaborations that are bringing lasting benefits and a blueprint for other endeavours.

While the building continues to act as a hub for excellence in cancer care, education and research, the joint venture of 10 member organisations is now distinguished as the VCCC Alliance. This subtle differentiation ensures a more inclusive reference to the VCCC Alliance members and partners outside the Parkville precinct, reflective of the importance of this broader collective effort for all Victorians.

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