Calgary's new $1.4-billion cancer centre will be a state-of-the-art facility with a light-filled central courtyard and commanding views of the mountains, according to provincial officials who unveiled its design Thursday.

Construction of the facility at the Foothills Medical Centre, already Alberta's largest hospital complex, will start later this year.

Dr. Francois Belanger, chief medical officer for Alberta Health Services, says the centre will address the growing demand for additional capacity for cancer patients.

"It will enable AHS to treat more Albertans and allow us to address the urgent need for a comprehensive, team-based care for cancer patients," he said.

The new facility at the northeast corner of the Foothills campus will span more than one million square feet, include a 1,650-stall underground parking garage and feature an elevated walkway connecting it with other buildings. (PCL Construction)

"The new Calgary Cancer Centre will also open up tremendous possibilities in cancer research and innovation, enabling Alberta Health Services to offer more advanced treatments, discover new therapies and develop and integrate new technologies."

1 million square feet

PCL Construction Management Inc. was awarded a $1.1 billion design-build contract for the cancer centre. Stantec in conjunction with DIALOG, will be responsible for the architectural and interior design of the new cancer centre, as well as structural and electrical engineering. Stantec will also provide civil and transportation engineering services.

​The new facility will be located at the northeast corner of the Foothills campus. It will span more than one million square feet, including a 1,650-stall underground parking garage and a 984-linear foot elevated walkway connecting it with other parts of the Foothills campus.

The centre will have 160 inpatient beds, 12 radiation vaults, more than 100 patient exam rooms, and more than 100 chemotherapy chairs.

"The facility design supports cancer patients and their families on their cancer journeys with a large central courtyard and uninterrupted views of the Rocky Mountains or the Calgary skyline from the inpatient rooms," the province said in a release.

The new centre will have twice as much space for available for clinical trials and for patient treatment as the current Tom Baker centre has, the province says.

"The design is an inspired vision that will make life better for generations of patients with a full range of cancer treatment services and a hub for cutting-edge cancer research," said Health Minister Sarah Hoffman in a release.

"Most importantly, it is designed around supporting patients and their families."

The centre is on track to open for business in 2023.