Building Institute Aotearoa recently hosted a site visit to Whangārei Hospital, where 15 attendees toured the new Radiotherapy and Oncology Centre currently under construction.

The visit was organised with support from Ben Tomason and Claire O’Shae, with Riaan Van der Merwe from Te Whatu Ora and Brendan Raj from Argon Construction guiding attendees through the building and sharing project insights.

Part of the wider Whangārei Hospital masterplan, the new centre will help improve access to cancer treatment for people across Te Tai Tokerau Northland by bringing radiation treatment services closer to home.

During the visit, attendees were able to see key parts of the facility, including the LINAC treatment rooms, built with concrete walls and roof slabs up to 2 metres thick to safely house the radiation treatment equipment, as well as the new CT room.

The group also heard more about the design of the three-level building, which connects to the existing Jim Carney Cancer Centre via a bridge from the top floor. Reception, consultation spaces and whānau waiting areas are located on the upper level, with staff spaces on the mid-level and specialised treatment areas below.

Externally, the building features perforated metal screens with a refined fluted profile, designed to provide privacy while filtering natural light into the interior.

The facility is also targeting a 5-star Green Star rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council.

Thank you to Riaan, Ben, Claire and Brendan for taking the time to share this important project with the group.