Construction has commenced on a new multi-storey integrated cancer building in Adelaide’s inner south to accommodate thousands of South Australians impacted by cancer and their families.
The five-storey, $31 million development on Greenhill Road at Eastwood will be the state’s new home for all South Australians impacted by cancer.
Combining cancer research, prevention, information and support services alongside a new benchmark 120-room supportive accommodation facility, the building will replace Cancer Council SA’s current supportive accommodation facilities on Greenhill Road and Dequetteville Terrace.
Cancer Council SA Board Chair, Karlene Maywald, said the new building will ensure that every South Australian is given every chance to survive a cancer diagnosis.
“Almost one-third of South Australians affected by cancer live in rural and regional areas, with South Australians more likely to die within five years of a cancer diagnosis the further they live from a metropolitan area,” she said.
“The huge cost of travel and accommodation in the city, and the extra pressure it can place on families, can cause regional South Australians heading to Adelaide to end their treatment prematurely. It can have disastrous effects on their health and seriously affect their chances of survival.”
“This project is a once in a lifetime opportunity to better serve all South Australians, regardless of where they live, by taking supportive patient care to the next level for this generation and the next.”
The project is supported by a $10 million grant from the State Government.
South Australian company Sarah Construction has been appointed as the project builder, with Cheesman Architects designing the five-storey integrated cancer centre in conjunction with Cancer Council SA.
CEO of Sarah Constructions, Adrian Esplin, said the South Australian project will also be important for the local economy and construction industry.
“We are delighted to be awarded the contract to deliver this once in a generation project for Cancer Council SA, which will not only deliver the next generation of cancer care in South Australia but will support up to 160 jobs during its life, including 83 jobs during construction,” Mr Esplin said.
The new building is expected to be completed by May 2022.
Cancer Council SA’s Flinders and Greenhill Lodge will continue to operate throughout the construction process to provide a home away from home for regional and remote South Australians travelling to Adelaide for cancer treatment.
For more information on the project, please visit 202greenhill.com.au