Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA)

International Leadership

The Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) is a Melbourne based independent medical research institute and an international leader in ophthalmology. CERA strategically identified the opportunity to grow and expand their clinical research and clinical trials capabilities through a new Eye Clinical Research Centre (ECRC). Alongside this there is opportunity to provide state-of-the-art laboratories to support their innovative research.

CERA commissioned Silver Thomas Hanley (STH) to develop several precursory studies to inform the future accommodation needs. These include an Operating Model to describe the process and necessary.  To compliment this study, STH completed a Functional Design Brief, that details design principles, design outcomes and functional content for the future built environment, including a detailed Schedule of Accommodation. The exploration of specific needs of each functional group within CERA including Research and Research Support, ECRC, Laboratories and Shared Amenities. Lastly, an Accommodation Options Analysis considered opportunities and challenges by investigating the retention of existing infrastructure in addition to offsite alternatives.

The project co-locates existing services across  two sites, within the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) and newly built commercial building in East Melbourne. The $24 million redevelopment comprises of 3460m2 to facilitate and deliver leading Research and Research Support, Office Space, Laboratories and Clinical Trials, that incorporate the likes of receptions, visitors waiting lounge, flexible working spaces, staff breakouts, storage and imaging facility including Vision Lanes, Angiogram, Dark Rooms, and Multipurpose testing facilities.