The Swanbourne Children’s Hospice project is a purpose-built care facility planned as Western Australia’s first dedicated hospice for children with life-limiting conditions, located in the coastal suburb of Swanbourne, near Perth. Approval for its development has been granted under the Western Australian Planning Commission’s Part 17 significant development pathway, clearing the way for construction of the specialized facility that will provide high-quality palliative care, supportive clinical spaces, and family-centered amenities in a home-like setting. The hospice is designed around a seven-bed capacity with additional family accommodation suites, therapeutic play areas, outdoor gardens, and communal living spaces to support both patients and their families. It will offer a peaceful environment, abundant natural light, and spaces crafted for comfort and connection, including hydrotherapy and multi-sensory rooms, while ensuring clinical care needs are met for children from birth to 18 years. Funding for the project combines public support, lottery grants, and charitable contributions, reflecting a broad commitment to expanding pediatric palliative care resources in Western Australia. This momentum in healthcare infrastructure delivery is also evident in Queensland, where the AUD 1.3 billion Coomera Hospital project has completed its concept design phase, underscoring how both large-scale regional hospitals and specialised care facilities are advancing in response to growing population and service demand across Australia. Once constructed, the hospice will become an important addition to the region’s healthcare infrastructure, addressing an unmet need for compassionate, child-focused end-of-life and supportive care.

Project Overview

• Name: Swanbourne Children’s Hospice (Western Australia, Australia)
• Location: Swanbourne, near Perth, Western Australia
• Planning Approval: Granted under the Part 17 significant development pathway by the Western Australian Planning Commission
• Facility Type: Children’s hospice for palliative and supportive care
• Bed Capacity: 7 patient beds
• Family Accommodation: 3 family suites
• Key Spaces: Main kitchen, dining and living space, playrooms
• Therapeutic Areas: Hydrotherapy pool and multisensory spaces
• Clinical Areas: Treatment and allied health spaces
• Outdoor Spaces: Gardens and play areas
• Staff Facilities: Offices and administration spaces
• Design Focus: Homely, warm and welcoming environment
• Target Population: Children from birth to 18 years needing palliative care
• Funding: Public donations, lottery grants, state and federal support
• Strategic Role: First state-level dedicated children’s hospice in WA
• Status: Development approval completed; planning progression underway

Project Team

• Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) – Planning approval authority
• Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF) – Lead proponent and charity partner
• Design and Clinical Planning Contributors – Specialists in pediatric palliative care facility design (inferred based on hospice service requirements)
• State and Federal Health Funding Bodies – Financial support partners (inferred from government statements)

Reported 31st July 2023: After years of deliberation, Approval granted for the first children’s hospice in children’s hospice in Swanbourne Western Australia. The WA Planning Commission convened a crucial development meeting to review the proposal for the seven-bed facility in Swanbourne, situated within the City of Nedlands at Allen Park.

The hospice aims to offer round the clock care for children who have life limiting illnesses. In a home like environment rather, than a clinical one. It will feature amenities such, as a hydrotherapy pool play areas and gardens.

Ian Campbell, the chair of Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation expressed gratitude, for the support from the WA community towards the hospice.

“We have poured our hearts and souls into planning and designing this hospice and we are thrilled that it has now received approval for development “ Campbell stated.

Our unwavering commitment is to create a top notch environment, for these deserving children. Over the 18 months we have carefully engaged in a planning process to identify and address any possible risks.

Construction cost for the children’s hospice in in Swanbourne

The estimated construction cost of the children’s hospice in in Swanbourne is $33 million, and the project is expected to be completed in approximately two years. The facilities to be built include a memorial garden, therapy and clinical spaces, and accommodation for up to 10 families.

Premier Roger Cook expressed his enthusiasm, for the facilitys approval describing it as a achievement for the people of Western Australia.

According to Mr. Cook, this hospice with its design and location will undoubtedly have a profound impact on West Australian families who are navigating through one of lifes most difficult journeys.

He eagerly anticipates witnessing the completion of this facility and how it will provide comfort and support to children, parents, siblings and other loved ones during their times.

Planning Minister John Carey referred to this approval as an instance of a proposal of significance, to the state that can successfully undergo a centralized referral process.

The Childrens Hospice, In Western Australia will become the hospice in the country. Alongside Bear Cottage in New South Wales Very Special Kids in Victoria and Hummingbird House in Queensland it will provide care for children.

Once the approval from the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) is obtained a head contractor will be selected  in late 2023. The construction phase is anticipated to generate 120 employment opportunities. More details, about the construction schedule will be made available in the coming months.

The area of land covering 5000 square metres was formerly occupied by the Swanbourne Bowling Club and can be found within an A-class reserve. The State Government separated this reserve from the City of Nedlands.

Also read Latest Construction Trends in Australia