Scott Harris signs lease for cancer wellness dream on Theatre Royal Hotel building

When the late Jo Harris was being treated for stage 4 ovarian cancer she and husband Scott dreamt of a wellness centre for cancer patients. Read the latest development.

Initial render of the new S.H.E. Wellness Centre in Hobart. Picture: Cumulus Studio

A new $20m cancer wellness centre – in a former hotel opposite the Royal Hobart Hospital – has taken a major step forward.

S.H.E. Gynaecological Cancer Group and the University of Tasmania have signed a lease for the Theatre Royal Hotel building and released a render of the proposed design.

S.H.E chair Scott Harris said signing the long term lease was “great news” and it was hoped a development application would go to the Hobart City Council for approval in the coming months.

He said the group was still working to secure more funding and was looking to working with other cancer organisations in “bringing this centre to life”.

Scott and his late wife Jo Harris at Acton Park. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Harris and his late wife Jo, who died of ovarian cancer in April 2023, were the driving forces behind the wellness centre raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to make it a reality.

Before her death in April 2023, Ms Harris said she hoped the centre would help “not only so many women going through a gynaecological cancer diagnosis, but also their partners and families”.

Kylee Scott Director at Cumulus Studio with Scott Harris Chair S.H.E. Gynaecological Cancer Group at the site where the new S.H.E. Wellness Centre will be in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

In 2022, S.H.E., UTAS, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Tasmanian Government agreed to develop the ground-breaking centre.

Mr Harris said the state government had committed $10m to the project “but we’re looking at a building probably around $20m”.

“We’ve had some really positive discussions with some philanthropists who are very keen to support it in some shape or form,” he said.

“Not only will we give this fantastic building a new lease on life, but by working with the university, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Tasmanian government we are going to help provide additional support to some of the thousands of Tasmanian families who are touched by cancer each year.

“S.H.E. has been busy working on a business case and talking to our partners to ensure this new facility will complement other services available and integrate seamlessly into the services offered over the road at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

“We’ve been hard at work raising the funds we need to turn this vision into a reality and thank the Tasmanian government for committing to matching any philanthropic contribution dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $10m.”

Kylee Scott Director at Cumulus Studio with Scott Harris Chair S.H.E. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

UTAS Pro Vice-Chancellor, campus life southern Tasmania, Professor Nicholas Farrelly said the university was proud to support the development of a new cancer wellness centre,

He said the university was committed “to building on existing strengths in cancer care, education and research”.

Principal architect and director of Cumulus Studio Peter Walker said the centre “aims to be a restorative space where architecture and nature work together to support healing and well-being providing a serene, uplifting environment that fosters healing and support, where architecture becomes a sanctuary for patients and their loved ones”.

Cumulus director and general manager Kylee Scott said the centre would “foster a welcoming and tranquil environment for patients and their families”.

“Our approach to the Cancer Wellness Centre focuses on creating a space that not only supports healing but also inspires hope and resilience,” she said.

“This project reflects our commitment to building spaces that truly serve the well-being of the community.”

Michael Hunnibell has been appointed pro bono project manager for the project along with a project officer.