Delivering Impact at Beresfield: Supporting the Cerebral Palsy Community

PROJECT SHOWCASE | COMMUNITY & HEALTH Delivering Impact at Beresfield: Supporting the Cerebral Palsy Community Purpose-driven project delivery creating accessible services and lasting community value in the Hunter Region.

The Cerebral Palsy Alliance Hunter Centre at Beresfield transformed a former industrial warehouse into an accessible, purpose-built facility for therapy, early diagnosis, group programs and disability-sector training. BEM’s client-focused project management approach helped support delivery on time, within budget and to the quality required for service delivery. Community infrastructure creates the greatest value when purpose leads every decision. At Beresfield, a former industrial warehouse has been transformed into a modern, accessible Centre supporting babies, children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, together with their families and the wider Hunter community.

The new facility expands access to evidence-based therapies, innovative technologies and tailored programs closer to home for people across the region.

The Challenge

Growing demand for disability services across the Hunter created a clear need for greater local capacity. Families can face long travel distances or limited access to specialised therapy, early intervention and community support. The project therefore needed to deliver more than a building: it needed to create an inclusive, adaptable environment capable of supporting lifelong services and future growth.

Converting an existing warehouse into a specialised Centre also required careful coordination of accessibility, clinical and therapy requirements, flexible program spaces, technology, operational workflows and the needs of clients, families and staff. At the same time, the project had to maintain focus on programme, budget, quality and grant-funded outcomes.

The Approach

BEM approached the project as purpose-driven delivery: keeping the intended service outcomes visible throughout planning, design and construction. The focus was not simply on completing works, but on helping the client create a facility that could strengthen service delivery across the Hunter Region.

BEM’s project management approach centred on:

• maintaining alignment between the project brief, operational needs and community outcomes
• coordinating the client, consultants, contractor and project stakeholders
• monitoring programme, budget, quality, risks and key decisions
• supporting clear governance and timely, informed decision-making
• keeping accessibility, flexibility and end-user experience central to delivery
• driving the project toward a quality outcome that enabled the client’s service model.

This structured, collaborative approach helped simplify complex decisions while keeping the project’s purpose at the centre of delivery.

The Outcome

Officially opened in June 2026, the Hunter Centre provides multidisciplinary therapy rooms, an early diagnosis clinic, flexible spaces for group programs and a dedicated training area. The training space is intended to support more than 300 disability-sector workers from across the Hunter, extending the project’s impact beyond the facility itself.

The completed centre increases local access to contemporary services and technology while creating welcoming, thoughtfully designed spaces for clients and families. Increased capacity also positions Cerebral Palsy Alliance to support both existing and new clients in a rapidly growing region.

The result demonstrates what purpose-driven project management can achieve: an infrastructure investment translated into better access, stronger service capability and lasting community value.

For community and health organisations, project success cannot be measured by completion alone. The real test is whether the facility enables people to access better services, supports staff to work effectively and gives the organisation capacity to respond to future need.

The Beresfield project reflects BEM’s commitment to delivering projects that make a difference. By combining disciplined project management with a clear understanding of client purpose, BEM helps community and health organisations move from vision to practical, high-quality outcomes.

Project Snapshot

Client	Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Sector	Community & Health
Location	Beresfield, Hunter Region, NSW
Project	Cerebral Palsy Alliance Hunter Centre
Project Budget	$2.4 million
Purpose	Accessible therapy, early diagnosis, group programs and workforce training
BEM focus	Purpose-driven, client-focused project management

 

Planning a Community or Health Infrastructure Project? BEM helps organisations deliver facilities that create lasting value for the people and communities they serve. Contact our Newcastle-based team to discuss project planning, project management, development management, funding support and construction delivery across the Hunter Region and NSW.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Hunter Centre at Beresfield?

It is a purpose-built, accessible disability services centre created by transforming a former industrial warehouse. The centre provides therapy rooms, an early diagnosis clinic, flexible program areas and disability-workforce training space.

How does the Beresfield centre support the Hunter community?

The centre expands local access to evidence-based therapies, technology and tailored programs for babies, children and adults with disability and supports families closer to home.

Why is project management important for community and health facilities?

Community and health projects involve operational, accessibility, funding, stakeholder and specialist design requirements. Client-side project management helps coordinate these priorities while protecting programme, budget, risk and intended service outcomes.

Does BEM deliver community and health projects in Newcastle and the Hunter Region?

Yes. BEM provides project management, development management and advisory support for community, health and social infrastructure projects across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Region and NSW.