The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD) will be a purpose-built biomedical research, training and education centre located on St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne’s Fitzroy campus. The project scope includes highly complex Decant Works and Early Works packages to provide alternate accommodation to relocate current occupants, and complete services diversions, asset relocations, and disconnections, hazardous materials removal and demolition works before commencing the Main Works build.
In 2017, Johnstaff was commissioned to provide Project Management services for the preparation of the feasibility study and inputs for the project business case. State and Commonwealth funding for the preferred development proposal was confirmed in 2019 and, together with partner contributions, the project funding was established. Johnstaff was re-engaged to provide St Vincent’s and its project partners (University of Melbourne, University of Wollongong, RMIT University, Swinburne University, Australian Catholic University, St Vincent’s Institute and Bionics Institute) Project Management services for the design and delivery of the project.
Johnstaff recommended a hybrid project delivery model comprising of an Early Works and Main Works package, which is being implemented. This approach provides benefits in terms of programme and de-risking of the site of latent conditions before starting main construction activities. The hybrid model also allows for Early Contractor Involvement to assist in a collaborative and strategic approach to managing significant planning and heritage risks.
Complex stakeholder engagement across eight project partners
Innovative planning and procurement strategies developed to support project outcomes
Multiple funding sources including private, State, Commonwealth and philanthropic
Facility features PC2 laboratories, platform technologies, shared workspace and commercial / retail
