First Look: Brisbane’s $1.1bn Queensland Cancer Centre

A billion-dollar Queensland Cancer Centre has been unveiled for development at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus. 

The purpose-built 150-bed facility would provide a range of new cancer treatments, including cellular therapy and world-leading nuclear theranostics. 

Billiard Leece Partnership has been announced as the initial design phase lead architect for the hospital, which is slated to open in 2028 according to the Queensland State Government. 

Lendlease was announced as the preferred contractor to progress the design in December 2023. 

BLP managing director Tara Veldman said the facility would be the only cancer centre in Australia to offer the full spectrum of cancer treatments.

“The Queensland Cancer Centre is not just a building, it’s a commitment to the future of cancer care in Queensland,” Veldman said. 

“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.”

▲ Billiard Leece Partnership was engaged as early design lead for the $1.1 billion project.

Veldman said the QCC would be built on the existing campus of the RBWH and it was designed in collaboration with Lendlease and LCI Consultants for Health Infrastructure Queensland (HIQ) and Queensland Health. 

The development would comprise a day therapy service, outpatient consult rooms, 150 overnight beds, four operating theatres and proton therapy.

The State Govenrment is funding $750 million as part of its Health Big Build while the federal government is contribution $375 million. 

The design of the hospital features intuitive navigation, a commitment to environmental sustainability through the integration of green building materials and energy-efficient practices, and a conceptual framework that supports robust health facility planning.

BLP design lead Brad Dorn said the hospital had been designed as “not just a healthcare facility; it’s a community hub”.

“The design takes into account the importance of the public realm and is designed to seamlessly integrate with the urban fabric of the Herston Health Precinct, inviting the community in and fostering a sense of belonging,” Dorn said. 

BLP is continuing their collaborative relationship with Health Infrastructure Queensland (HIQ) through the QCC project, following the successful collaboration on the Bundaberg Hospital.