Delivering a purpose-built clinical research and innovation hub within Launceston’s General Hospital.

The completion of the Northern Integrated Care Service (NICS) building marks an important milestone within the Launceston General Hospital (LGH) Precinct Masterplan. As a priority project, this redevelopment forms part of the broader 10‑year, $647.5 million Launceston General Hospital redevelopment program.

In line with the LGH Precinct Masterplan, SHAPE was engaged to refurbish Level 1 of the NICS building. This was a key step in relocating the Clifford Craig Foundation from the main hospital campus, freeing up valuable space for critical clinical services.

Jointly funded by the Tasmanian and Albanese governments, the $5.1 million redevelopment transformed both the Ground Floor and Level 1. Key works involved the full refurbishment of the Ground Floor into open-plan offices, meeting rooms, quiet rooms and a community room. Level 1 was fitted out to contemporary healthcare and research facility standards, providing purpose-built clinic spaces, sterile storage, open workspaces, collaborative areas and upgraded building services including electrical, lighting, HVAC and communications infrastructure.

Operating within a live hospital required precise staging and comprehensive planning to ensure services remained uninterrupted. This included the careful coordination of an electrical shutdown and the integration of design changes during construction. Maintaining clear communication between our team, hospital management, consultants and the client, was key to resolving challenges quickly and effectively.

Sustainability was a key focus, with circular economy initiatives implemented via the reuse of existing furniture and appliances wherever possible.

SHAPE have successfully completed this new Research and Innovation Centre, which will be a cornerstone for medical research in Tasmania. This centre supports clinicians, researchers and educators to work side-by-side on innovation, clinical trials, and patient care improvements. Delivered in June 2025 after 8.5 months on site, the new facility is already helping attract and retain world-class health professionals, supporting the precinct’s reputation for research excellence, and furthering the Government’s vision for state-of-the-art health infrastructure in Northern Tasmania.