Designs show extensive internal works on heritage building

A long-awaited ‘sanctuary’ for end-of-life care is ready to start building this year. See how this $20 million facility will care for patients and families.

Plans for Launceston Hospice. Picture: supplied

New redevelopment plans have been released for an end-of-life care ‘sanctuary’ in Northern Tasmania.

The Launceston Hospise plan is before the City of Launceston council and open for public feedback.

The $20 million project, funded by the federal government, will include at least 10 inpatient bedrooms with ensuites, day rooms, calm spaces, family areas and staff area.

The hospice will be on Howick Street, within the existing heritage listed Allambi building, opened in 1921 as an infectious diseases hospital.

The designs aim to integrate the history of the building including retaining the existing heritage features of the building and landscape.

The landscape will retain existing trees including Japanese cherry and maple trees, a silver birch tree, a giant redwood and more around the facility and in the courtyards.

One tree will be removed to make way for a proposed new building and another for a new car park.

The hospice will have a space for dementia services, palliative and primary care spaces.

Artist impression of the Launceston Hospice. Picture: supplied

The aim for the facility is to be a “sanctuary” for patients and their families, where end-of-life care can be provided with “the utmost respect and dignity”.

Northern Tasmania hasn’t had a dedicated palliative care hospice facility since 2007 when Phillip Oakden House closed.

Construction for the hospice facility is expected to commence mid-2025 and is anticipated to be completed and open to accept patients in late 2026.

The community driven project is in thanks to a group called Friends of Northern Hospice, who have campaigned for years for a new facility.

The funding was an election promise from Liberal and Labor back in 2022.