Leading together to save lives

A building at the bedrock of a better tomorrow

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIAN BRAGG CENTRE

When some of the world’s most brilliant minds in cancer treatment and research come together under one roof, you need a building up to the task.

Enter the Australian Bragg Centre, a new $500 million building overseen by the clinical and research expertise of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). This cutting-edge centre will be home to Australia’s first proton therapy unit and some of the leading cancer researchers in the Southern Hemisphere.

RLB’s client Commercial & General is the driving force behind the Australian Bragg Centre, designing, funding and developing the business case, and providing $400 million in private sector finance. With a lot on the line, Commercial & General turned to RLB’s experienced programming team to advise on the time-related risks and contract provisions to help keep its visionary development on track.

At a glance

  • Client
    Commercial & General
  • Services
    Project & Programme Success
  • sector
    Healthcare
  • Location
    Adelaide, Australia

Laying solid foundations through flawless execution

The Australian Bragg Centre honours father-and-son scientific team, Sir William Henry Bragg and Sir William Lawrence Bragg, who shared the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1915 for their insights into protons and x-rays. The Braggs’ work more than a century ago laid the foundations for the advanced precision radiation therapy that will treat up to 700 patients at the Australian Bragg Centre each year.

While science is the bedrock of the Australian Bragg Centre, the bricks-and-mortar foundations are no less important. On completion, the building – a centrepiece of Adelaide’s $3.6 billion biomedical precinct – will boast 32,000 sqm of space across 15 levels. Below ground, a three-storey bunker will house ground-breaking technology and the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research. Above ground, some of the best and brightest medical minds will collaborate across 11 levels of dry labs, 10 clinical trial rooms, offices, teaching and learning spaces.

This complex building demands a collaborative and creative approach from the entire project team. Our job is to dive deep into the programming detail – to bring fresh perspectives and ask the tough questions to help to keep the program on track and to ensure contractual obligations are met each month. It’s a challenging role, but one we are proud to play.
Neal Taylor, Director, RLB

Programming is the unsung hero of development. But by making sure the project meets best practice benchmarks every step of the way, RLB will play an important role in delivering a building that shapes the future of healthcare practice in Australia.

The best results always come from the best people

The best building designs put people first – and that’s exactly what the Australian Bragg Centre will do. The Woods Bagot design of flexible high-performance research and workspaces will connect the multi-disciplinary team and inspire collaboration at the cutting edge of cancer treatment.

A building that is good for people can be good for the planet too.

With impressive green credentials – including passive solar design and high-tech energy efficient systems – the Australian Bragg Centre is on track to achieve a LEED Gold rating.

  • $500
    m
    state-of-the-art building
  • 700
    patients
    will receive lifesaving treatment each year – 25% of those from overseas
  • $1
    b
    in economic activity and 1,000 jobs generated during construction

A world-class building brings imagination to life

Due for completion in 2023, the Australian Bragg Centre building offers an unparalleled opportunity for Australia to secure its status as a leader in health and medical research. With the help of RLB, Commercial & General will also cement its reputation as a leader in world-class healthcare developments.

Strong partnerships that benefit generations

Solving humanity’s biggest challenges demands state-of-the-art technology, cleverly-designed space and collaborative partnerships. With Commercial & General’s drive, SAHMRI’s scientific excellence and RLB’s attention to detail, the Australian Bragg Centre promises to save lives, advance scientific knowledge and confirm South Australia as a leader in medical research.