Construction has commenced on a major new multi-million dollar health facility on the campus of Canberra Hospital in Garran, A.C.T.

The 5000sqm Capital Region Cancer Centre is designed by the ACT office of HBO+EMTB.

HBO+EMTB Canberra director Andrew Wilson said particular care had been taken in the design process to create a comfortable, non- clinical ambience in the centre.

South-east elevation. Images: HBO+EMTB

As patients may be adversely affected by glare, vertigo or noise. Deeply recessed windows will provide soft ambient light levels which minimise glare, responding to many cancer patient needs. Carefully designed initiatives will manage the ambient light, height and sound in the facility.

The centre is expected to improve cancer treatment in the ACT by drawing together and integrating cancer services including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, haematology, immunology, research and teaching programs within a single five-storey building on the Canberra Hospital campus.

It will be linked to the existing radiation oncology facility to become a fully integrated centre for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

North-East elevation

Construction was launched by Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon and ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher at a sod turning ceremony attended by local community representatives and health care professionals.

The total value of the project is $44.6million and is being jointly funded by the Federal Government ($27.9m) and the ACT Government ($16.7m).

North_West elevation

The project is part of an overhaul and expansion of all aspects of the ACT health system in order to meet future demand.

Roxon said when the centre is complete it will service around half a million people across the ACT and surrounding regions of New South Wales.

ACT Chief Minister Gallagher said the project shows what can be achieved for the Canberra community when both governments work together.