Australia’s Leading Biomedical Facility for ‘Living’ Cancer Therapies

The project benefits from the foresight embedded in the original design of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) building with capacity for future high-tech advances.

DesignInc’s work has transformed Level 9 of the VCCC into state-of-the-art laboratories and clean rooms with OGTR PC2 certification, including compliance with PICS (Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme). 

This initiative is a response to growing demand for advanced cancer treatments in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. These innovative cellular therapies are changing the landscape of cancer treatment and the large-scale good manufacturing practice facility (GMP), operated by Cell Therapies Pty Ltd, has boosted capacity by 400%.

To accommodate the facility’s enhanced capabilities and a workforce of more than 75 biomedical professionals, the facility includes additional research and administration spaces, meeting rooms, and a breakout area in the building’s light-filled central atrium. This comprehensive design is geared toward cultivating a healthy workplace for the entire team. The facility, funded by the Commonwealth Government, supports Peter Mac’s Centre of Excellence in Cellular Immunotherapy’s Development Program pipeline to accelerate Australian-developed IP into the clinic. The project also received additional funding and support from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.

GMP requirements for temperature, humidity and pressure controls pushed the available engineering services close to their limits. Our team closely coordinated and balanced the advanced technical demands of the new facility.

Emer Denneny
Associate, DesignInc Melbourne