Manitoba will build its first-ever out-of-hospital birth centre in south Winnipeg.

The government said Thursday it is spending more than $3.5 million to develop the centre at the junction of St. Mary's Road and St. Anne's Road.

The centre will provide a home-like atmosphere for women who do not want to give birth inside a hospital, said Lori Lamont, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) vice-president and chief nursing officer.

The WRHA expects to handle 500 births at the centre which will include a primary-care clinic and four birthing rooms, and facilities for education and counselling.

"We are focusing on the needs and interests of women and their families," said Health minister Theresa Oswald.

"This new centre will provide Winnipeg women and their families with seamless access to a full range of services throughout pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and early parenting."

'This announcement brings to fruition more than 20 years of hard work and persistence.'—Joan Dawkins, Women's Health Clinic

"It's important for women and their children to have the care they need and want at this very important time in their lives," Oswald said.

The Women's Health Clinic will operate the centre through an agreement with the WRHA.

"Women's Health Clinic is thrilled to be part of the development of the first Manitoba birth centre," said Joan Dawkins, executive director of the clinic.

"This announcement brings to fruition more than 20 years of hard work and persistence on the part of community women who have long advanced a vision of maternity services that provides women and their families with this important option."

The birth centre will also serve as a hub for the region's midwifery program and support midwifery education in Manitoba.

The province expects to begin building by spring 2011.