Austin-Smith:Lord’s proposals for the refurbishment and redevelopment of the Ayrshire Hospice have now been formally submitted for planning permission to South Ayrshire Council.

The plans to redevelop the existing site will help ‘future proof’ the hospice for generations to come – and enhance the care it gives.

Plans include:

• • A new inpatient unit with 18 single, en-suite rooms
  • Two patient and family respite rooms with en-suite facilities
  • Direct physical link between the inpatient unit and day services
  • Disparate clinical and community nursing hubs brought together within one building
  • Dedicated social space for patients’ families and children
  • A “discreet, respectful and separate” entrance for patients and their families allowing a “private and dignified” admittance into the inpatient unit
  • A new day services centre
  • A dedicated spa and occupational therapy space and gym
  • Conference space for up to 75 people
  • New sensory garden
  • Library/educational space
  • Hospice Hub and cafe.

Carla MacEwan, Chief Executive at The Ayrshire Hospice, said: “This planning application represents a huge step forward in the provision of specialist palliative and end-of-life care for Ayrshire.”

Iain Wylie, Executive Director at Austin-Smith:Lord said “we are delighted to be working on this incredibly significant project for the Ayrshire Hospice and the wider Ayrshire community. The project provides us with a unique opportunity to utilise our complementary design skills; incorporating both new-build and conservation architecture with sustainability, landscape architecture and interior design. Through this integrated design approach, working side-by-side with the hospice, we aim to make a real difference for patients, their families and staff; whilst further embedding the fantastic work of the Hospice within the local community.”