As many as 1000 construction jobs will be supported and an estimated $1 billion in economic activity generated in Adelaide over the next three years, as development begins on the next stage of South Australia’s iconic Health and Biomedical Precinct – the Australian Bragg Centre.
The $500 million 12-storey project – to be developed and owned by SA developer Commercial & General and built by Lendlease, with funding support from the State and Federal Governments – will house world-leading and lifesaving proton therapy cancer treatment, to be delivered by SAHMRI.
Proton therapy is a form of radiotherapy, using beams of protons to treat diseased tissue, most typically cancerous tumours. The primary advantage of this therapy over traditional radiotherapy is that the dose is dealt in a narrower range with minimal exit dose, ultimately reducing potential damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This is particularly important when treating tumours in small children and those that are close to critical structures such as the eye, brain and spinal cord.
To be built adjacent SAHMRI on North Terrace, the landmark development and research facility will incorporate a 3-floor high-tech cancer treatment centre – the first of its type in Australia – which will treat SA patients as well as those from across the country and globe.
Premier Steven Marshall said this project will further bolster the state’s international credentials and create significant economic stimulus and jobs in the wake of COVID-19.
“This significant development will put SA on the map as a pioneer in world-leading, lifesaving proton therapy cancer treatment,” said Premier Marshall.
“It will also provide the state’s building industry with significant economic stimulus as we emerge from the greatest economic challenge of our time, supporting as many as 1000 jobs and generating an estimated $1 billion in economic activity during the construction phase.
“We are pleased to support this project and look forward to it coming to fruition as a new, iconic landmark along North Terrace.”
The State Government has provided $47.4 million towards the project, including a $10.6 million grant to assist in the planning and development phase and $36.8 million to relocate the Train Control Centre from North Terrace to Dry Creek, making the site ready for development.
The project is also supported by a $68 million Commonwealth grant.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the state-of-the-art facility will provide world-class care, closer to home.
“South Australians, and people throughout the nation, will no longer need to go overseas to get the care they need,” said Minister Wade.
“This landmark new facility will further establish the Precinct as one of the pre-eminent health care and research hubs in the southern hemisphere.”
The Australian Bragg Centre is expected to be complete in late 2023, with the first patients to be treated there approximately 18 months later.
When in full operation, it is estimated as many as 600-700 patients will be able to be treated at the facility each year – with around half of these expected to be children and young adults.
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