New Hanover Regional Medical Center opened its new treatment areas at the hospital’s Zimmer Cancer Center to patients this month.

The opening on Feb. 13 marked completion of the first phase in a renovation and expansion plan for the center.

The $14.5 million project started in April of last year.

The first phase included an expanded infusion space; the new area has 48 infusion chairs, more than triple the number available in the original facility. The renovation phase also covered the dedicated laboratory and pharmacy areas, exam rooms and physician offices.

“Seventeen physician specialists will be practicing in the new facility when the project is scheduled for completion this fall. The project will total 73,020 square feet, more than twice the square footage of the original facility,” a news release stated.

The cancer center originally opened in 2000.

Monteith Construction is working on the current expansion and renovation, while the project was designed by architecture and planning firm LS3P.

“The new space will allow for anticipated growth in hematology, medical oncology, chemotherapy, gynecological, lung and surgical oncology,” the release stated. “NHRMC Zimmer Cancer Center provided more than 8,300 chemotherapy and infusion treatments in 2016.”