The new $24 million S.H.E. Cancer Wellness Centre in Hobart has reached another milestone, with Tasmanian builder Fairbrother selected for its construction.
Located at the former Theatre Royal Hotel site opposite the Royal Hobart Hospital, the Wellness Centre will provide holistic, patient-centred care and accommodation for Tasmanians undergoing cancer treatment, and their families.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the Tasmanian Government is proud to invest $10 million towards delivering Stage One of the new Centre.
"Our Government is delivering for Tasmania by supporting access to quality care, closer to home, so Tasmanians can be surrounded by family and friends," Minister Archer said.
"The Centre will provide vital services to Tasmanians and complement existing efforts in cancer treatment and research in the State."
S.H.E. Chair, Scott Harris, said Fairbrother was selected as the successful construction partner after a highly competitive select tender process.
"The Development Application approval was a major milestone in turning our vision into reality, and the appointment of Fairbrother now means we can move from planning to delivery," Mr Harris said.
"Fairbrother is a proudly Tasmanian company with a long track record of excellence and community partnership. Their experience in delivering complex, sensitive builds makes them the perfect choice to partner with for this project.
"This facility will change lives. It will give people somewhere calm, restorative and human during what can be the most difficult time imaginable. It's about complementing world-class clinical care with the emotional and practical support that makes healing possible."
The four-storey design by Cumulus Studio retains the Theatre Royal Hotel's historic façade and will include a welcoming ground-floor wellness hub, allied-health spaces, quiet rooms, and self-contained apartments for patients and carers.
Fairbrother General Manager – Southern Tasmania, Paul Ransley, said the company was honoured to be chosen to build such an important facility.
"This is a landmark project for Tasmania and one that aligns closely with Fairbrother's ethos of building for community benefit," Mr Ransley said.
"We understand how meaningful this centre will be to so many Tasmanian families. Our team is committed to delivering a truly outstanding building that will be an important piece of community infrastructure."
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with completion targeted for December 2027.
