Hansen Yuncken strengthens Cairns presence with appointment to major health precinct project

Hansen Yuncken, in joint venture with CPB Contractors, has been appointed Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) delivery partner by Health Infrastructure Queensland for the Cairns Health Innovation & Surgical Centre (CHISC), for the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.

The appointment builds on Hansen Yuncken’s longstanding presence in Cairns, where the company is already delivering the Cairns Hospital Expansion Project, and reinforces its commitment to growing its operations in Far North Queensland.

Located within the Cairns Hospital precinct, CHISC will bring together health, education and research facilities to support growing demand for healthcare across the region.

Health Infrastructure Queensland Deputy Director General Blake Lepper said the project would deliver significant new capacity and modern facilities for the Cairns community.

 “This is an exciting milestone for Cairns Hospital and the Far North, as we progress a major expansion that will deliver greater capacity and modern healthcare facilities for the community.

Appointing Hansen Yuncken and CPB Contractors marks an important step in bringing the project to life, with construction of the new Health Innovation and Surgical Centre and other key infrastructure now moving forward”.

The project scope includes the Cairns Health Innovation & Surgical Centre, a new multi-storey car park and associated precinct infrastructure, including a new helipad and podium facilities.

Hansen Yuncken Chief Executive Officer George Bardas said the appointment provided an opportunity to build on established relationships and contribute to the region’s long-term healthcare needs.

“Cairns is a community we know well and are proud to be part of. Through our longstanding local presence and our work delivering the Cairns Hospital Expansion Project, we have built strong relationships with the health service, hospital teams, local subcontractors and suppliers,” Mr Bardas said.

“These relationships bring valuable understanding of the hospital environment and the people who rely on it. We look forward to building on that knowledge alongside CPB Contractors, Health Infrastructure Queensland and the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service as we help shape this important new facility. This appointment is also an opportunity to deepen our investment in Far North Queensland. We want to continue growing our local team and creating opportunities for local businesses and construction professionals, while contributing to infrastructure that will serve their community for generations.”

During the ECI phase, the joint venture will work closely with the client and stakeholders to refine planning and construction methodologies, with a focus on maintaining safe hospital operations and minimising disruption to patients, staff and the surrounding community.

The partnership brings together Hansen Yuncken’s established local knowledge and healthcare delivery experience with CPB Contractors’ capability in delivering complex health infrastructure.

Early works are underway to prepare the site, with main works scheduled to commence in late 2027.