Cancer Council SA, Main Building and Car Park

Delivering a world class facility in challenging times

The construction industry in South Australia and nationally has faced enormous challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic with widespread material and labour shortages, and cost escalation issues out of the industry’s control.

Sarah’s team proactively planned around procurement delays, reprogramming trades or seeking alternative materials, in consultation with the architects and other consultants.

Importantly, Sarah prioritised early, honest and collaborative discussions with all stakeholders, ensuring that the Cancer Council could make the necessary adjustments to minimise impacts on its critical activities.

Flexible approach to best-for-project outcomes

During construction of the main building, and after commencement of the early works for the car park, the Cancer Council made a request to include an additional level of car parking (from two to three levels, or an additional 50 spaces).

This change would require significant redesign to manage load bearing on the footings and coordinate service tie-ins, before the design was resubmitted for development planning approval and emergency services compliance.

Sarah’s team responded by requesting the project was commercially divided into two separable portions, allowing the main building to achieve practical completion while car park design and approvals were ongoing.

Impacts to the program were largely mitigated through a series of collaborative workshops with all stakeholders and subcontractors, all focused on achieving the best outcomes for the client and its stakeholders.

The staged handover alleviated program pressures and allowed Cancer Council to occupy the main building before completion of the car park, while buses were chartered to transport staff and patients from temporary parking areas.

Construction in a highly trafficked and constrained site

The Council Cancer building fronts one of Adelaide’s busiest arterial routes – Greenhill Road and is surrounded on all other sides by commercial buildings, residential homes and narrow laneways.

Construction of the main building was initially facilitated by the designated car park site, but once early works commenced, Sarah’s team carefully planned and coordinated works with the neighbouring properties and the local council as appropriate to manage operational and safety concerns.

Sarah negotiated access to a neighbouring commercial property to construct a crane pad, and staged deliveries to site to avoid congestion.

Staged delivery next to an operational facility

Car park construction required large structures to be installed directly adjacent to the operational main building and across from homes and commercial buildings.

Sarah’s team communicated regularly with the Cancer Council regarding works generating noise and vibration, allowing them to program meetings or events around these works, and provide notice to patients requiring rest.

Similarly, neighbouring properties were informed well in advance of impacts, and the project was completed without community complaint.

More than bricks and mortar

In recognition of the vital work the Cancer Council does to benefit all South Australian’s, Sarah’s leadership team considered this project an ideal vehicle for social investment back into the community.

Throughout delivery, Sarah’s teams contributed more than $84,000 to initiatives developed by the Sarah Foundation.  This was well supported and promoted by the project team including Site Manager Frank Hurcum and Project Co-ordinator Nathan Bowden’s involvement in Ride for a Reason, raising more than $40,000.