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Work to commence on new Cancer Society building

Construction of a new building to house the Cancer Society’s Christchurch-based patient accommodation and support services is set to start in May this year, ten years after the charity’s facilities were destroyed by the Christchurch earthquake.

Chief Executive of the Cancer Society’s Canterbury-West Coast (CWC) Division Elizabeth Chesterman said that the charity was thrilled to receive confirmation that it had been successful in securing Crown funding of $6.5 million from the New Zealand Government Shovel Ready Project Initiative Fund. 

“This funding from the Government means that we can at last proceed with confidence on our long-awaited rebuild on our new site at 74 Langdons Road in Papanui,” Chesterman said. 

“Over the past ten years we have had to react quickly and frequently relocate our operations to ensure we could keep providing the services that people with cancer from around our region rely on,” Chesterman said. 

“Our accommodation facilities provide a home away from home for people from around the South Island and even as far afield as the Chatham Islands who need to come to Christchurch Hospital for cancer treatment,” Chesterman said.

“We are excited that our new site will offer our guests easy access to a wide range of amenities including shops, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, a library and the nearby facilities at the Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre, such as the swimming pool,” Chesterman said.

Chesterman indicated that the Cancer Society’s CWC Division would extend its existing shuttle service to transport those staying in its accommodation facilities to their hospital appointments and back again.

“We know from experience how challenging cancer treatment can be and we believe those staying with us will value being able to have their treatment and then enjoy some rest and recreation in modern, welcoming facilities away from the hospital environment,” Chesterman said.

“Our new site will include ample parking to enable Christchurch locals to easily access face-to-face emotional, practical and financial support, our resource library and our cancer-related groups and programmes,” Chesterman said.

The anticipated completion date for the Cancer Society’s new complex is early 2023 and the projected total cost is more than $20 million. The charity will be embarking on a fundraising campaign to ensure the surrounding landscaping and interior of the complex provide the most comfortable and pleasant environment possible for cancer patients from across the South Island and the local Christchurch community.

To express interest in providing sponsorship on this exciting and worthy project, please contact Janice Porter-Hoare, Fundraising and Events Manager, on 021 198 5392.

For general enquiries regarding the project, please contact Liz Chesterman, Chief Executive, on 027 226 0322.

ENDS

For more information, contact:

Deb McPherson

Brand and Communications Coordinator, Cancer Society of New Zealand, Canterbury West Coast Division

Email: deb.mcpherson@cancercwc.org.nz.

Mobile: 021 451 075