The new ACT Forensic Medicine Centre (FMC) has been designed to provide the Dept. of Justice and Community Safety with up to date facilities to suit the current and future needs of Canberra.

The design is a refurbishment and extension to the former Public Works Depot in Phillip and is a notable example of adaptive re-use. The FMC has two distinct areas – public and private.

The prime function of the public areas is to provide a sense of dignity and sympathy to members of the public visiting the facility when identifying the deceased. All public areas, from the carpark to the viewing areas, are designed to present the public with an image of dignity and respect in order for the public to feel as though deceased family and friends are being cared for appropriately.

The public areas include the public carpark, building entry (including the north and west facades), the entry lobby, waiting area, viewing area and unisex disabled toilet.

The private spaces include the Administration Area, all the technical spaces of the mortuary and external areas outside of the public zone.

The technical areas are designed to meet the clinical specifications required to perform all mortuary duties and be capable of achieving NPAAC certification.