Fair Havens Hospice in Essex officially begin construction on their new site next month.
The hospice will break ground on their new site in Prittlewell on Monday 8 October – the first day of nationwide campaign Hospice Care Week – with local dignitaries, MPs and councillors in attendance to commemorate the occasion.
Fair Havens was granted planning permission in January 2015, however changes were made to the plans to ensure the building met the needs of those it will care for. Southend Borough Council passed the revised plans in July this year.
Every month, Fair Havens turn away 11 people because the beds are not available when they need them. The new site will have 16 in-patient bedrooms, increased Day Hospice services, additional family support and landscaped gardens and grounds.
Steve Smith, New Fair Havens Project Director said:
“This is a huge milestone for the charity in what has been a very long journey to get to this stage. We have always said that we need to build a hospice that will last for generations – this is our chance to get this right – and we are delighted to finally be taking the next step closer to a new Fair Havens Hospice for the people of South East Essex.”
The whole project (excluding land purchase) will be £17.2million, but thanks to support from grant making trusts, new Fair Havens Appeal Board members and the Founders of new Fair Havens, only £2.5 million was needed to fund the new hospice. A fundraising appeal was launched in April for the remainder of the money and so far £1million has been raised.
Vanessa Longley, Director of Fundraising, said:
“We are always amazed at the generosity of our local community when we fundraise for our hospices, having raised £1million in just a few months is testament to how important our hospice is to the local community. Our vision is to offer a choice to people facing an illness that cannot be cured – a choice of where to be cared for, how to be cared for and where they want to die. Thank you to those who have supported us so far, we could not continue ‘Making every day count’ without you.”
LSI Architects have worked on the design of the building with work now underway with Barnes Construction.
Commenting on the design, Director at LSI Architects David Andrews, said:
“Drawing on our experiences from our previous hospice projects, the design for the new Fair Havens Hospice places the comfort and dignity of patients at the heart of building, providing a bright, modern, unique and a safe environment for those affected by palliative conditions and their families.”
Fair Havens is part of Havens Hospices, which also incorporates The J’s Hospice for young adults and Little Havens for babies, children and teenagers. New Fair Havens is expected to open in 2020. For more information visit Fair Havens for Life
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