Animal Referral and Emergency Centre, Broadmeadow, NSW

When the Animal Referral & Emergency Centre (AREC) outgrew its previous facility, the team set out to create a modern referral and emergency hospital that could support growing patient numbers while delivering exceptional standards of care. Located in Broadmeadow, Newcastle, the new 1,000m² facility brought together Therian’s Architecture, Equipment and Technology teams to deliver a fully integrated veterinary hospital—from the first concept sketches through to final installation and commissioning.

Beginning in 2022 and completed in 2025, the project involved transforming an existing building into a purpose-designed referral hospital that balances emergency medicine, specialist surgery and operational efficiency. Rather than simply fitting more into a larger footprint, the design focused on creating a hospital that supports clinical workflows, improves visibility and transparency, and keeps patient care at the centre of every decision.

One of AREC’s key priorities was creating greater transparency for clients while maintaining an efficient clinical environment. The architectural design achieves this through open sightlines between reception and treatment areas, allowing clients to feel connected to the care their pets receive. Large windows and glazed openings create visibility throughout the hospital while maintaining appropriate separation between public and clinical spaces.

The unique shape of the existing building presented an interesting design challenge. Therian developed a layout that divided the hospital into two distinct clinical streams from the main entrance, with emergency patients directed to one side and surgical patients to the other. This intuitive arrangement improves patient flow, reduces congestion and allows both departments to operate efficiently while remaining closely connected.

To complement the architectural design, Therian supplied a comprehensive range of veterinary equipment throughout the hospital. The treatment and surgical areas feature EasyVet mobile examination tables, EasyVet UltraLow surgery tables, Therian Cut Away Tables, Aeolus scrub sinks and Nuweigh scales, alongside extensive patient housing.

AREC was also one of the first veterinary hospitals to install the latest Aeolus ICU enclosures, supporting advanced intensive care for critical patients. Throughout the treatment, surgery and recovery areas, Aeolus FlexiPRO Kennels, Therian Cat Condos and specialised animal housing maximise patient holding capacity while allowing animals to recover close to the point of treatment. By reducing unnecessary patient movement throughout the hospital, the design supports better clinical workflows, improves patient welfare and allows veterinary teams to work more efficiently during critical cases.

Having been an early adopter of CUBEX medication management technology more than a decade ago, AREC expanded its technology ecosystem as part of the new hospital development. New MiniPlus cabinets were installed across ICU, pharmacy and surgery, alongside a Flex 1000 cabinet and Qlock stations, while integrating with the hospital’s existing CUBEX infrastructure.

The expanded system now manages a broader range of inventory, including surgical implants such as plates and screws, providing improved inventory control, security and traceability across multiple clinical departments.

The Animal Referral & Emergency Centre demonstrates the value of bringing architecture, equipment and technology together from the outset of a project. By working alongside the AREC team from initial concept design through to the day the hospital opened its doors, Therian delivered a cohesive veterinary facility that supports exceptional patient care, efficient workflows and future growth.

Whether you’re building a new veterinary hospital, expanding an existing practice or upgrading your equipment and technology, Therian delivers fully integrated solutions that bring together veterinary design, specialist equipment and inventory automation. By designing every element to work together, we help veterinary teams create facilities that improve workflow, support better patient outcomes and provide exceptional care for years to come.