Melbourne Pathology

Owner: Sonic Health Care
Location: Docklands, VIC
Services: Fire Engineering

CORE was engaged by Sonic Healthcare, via Nettletontribe, to deliver the fire engineering for Melbourne Pathology at 331–381 Footscray Road, Docklands. The project redevelops a former Costco store into a three-storey pathology centre. It has car parking and a collection centre on the ground floor, laboratories and a warehouse on Level 1, and offices on Level 2.

Reusing a large retail building for laboratory, warehouse and office use sat well outside what a prescriptive Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) approach could accommodate. CORE developed a suite of Performance Solutions covering rationalised fire-resistance levels, drencher-protected glazing between the laboratories and car park, extended travel distances on every floor, rationalised smoke exhaust, reduced widths around the laboratory conveyor system and the façade slab-edge junction. CORE took the strategy through Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) submission to a final Fire Engineering Report.

The strategy lets the existing building be repurposed around how the laboratories operate, while demonstrating compliance with the NCC Performance Requirements. It also plans ahead, with requirements for rooftop solar and future EV charging. CORE continues to support the project as it moves towards final inspection and occupation.