Wimmera Health Care Group acting chief executive Mark Knights said the centre would be built on the corner of Arnott and Robinson streets in Horsham.

“Plans have been drawn up but are still being reviewed,” he said.

“We want to spend the time on the plans to ensure the new centre meets needs and expectations, so we don’t want to rush the design process.

“We have a range of people and groups involved in reviewing the plans to make sure it is appropriate both for patients and their families and from a clinical point of view.

“We hope to see clearing of the site start soon so that when the design process is finalised and the builder selected, construction can commence.”

Mr Knights said when open, the centre would provide about 3000 rounds of treatment. 

“The centre will mean a larger number of people can be treated in Horsham, closer to their loved ones and support networks,” he said.

“The burden of travel for both the patients and their carers can be extreme, so reducing that will have a huge impact.

“The centre will provide much more dignity and privacy to patients and a better working environment for our dedicated staff.”

Mr Knights said the final building design would ensure the communities needs were met now and into the future. 

He said the site would then be cleared, a builder appointed and work would start. 

Mr Knights said the Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation reached its $1 million goal in August but continued to raise money. 

“We have been overwhelmed,” he said.

“We are currently sitting at $1,116,215 in community fundraising.

“Donations are definitely continuing to come in, in fact we had just over $30,000 in donations in November.

“I don’t think there is a service club or group who hasn’t made a donation of some kind.”