Hospice construction contract awarded to team of regional businesses - Barnes Construction

Having already worked together to build the new Arthur Rank Hospice in Cambridge and Fair Havens Hospice in Southend, Suffolk-based Barnes Construction, Norfolk-based LSI Architects and Faithful+Gould, who has an office in Cambridge, have been appointed to build a new larger hospice at Pease Pottage in Crawley, West Sussex, for St Catherine’s Hospice.

Construction has already started on the new facility, which will enable the development of essential services and respond to increasing need for hospice care in the local community. When completed in summer 2023, the accommodation will have 24 beds, an increase from 18 beds in the current hospice, and all rooms will offer a private garden and ensuite bathroom. 12 rooms will have adjoining sitting rooms, and four rooms will meet the needs of people with dementia.

Importantly, the hospice has been designed to incorporate dedicated areas that will provide privacy. There are also spaces for relatives to prepare food and relax.

Mark Hart, Joint MD at Barnes Construction is delighted to once again be working with LSI Architects and QS consultants, Faithful+Gould, as well as Cambridge-based Northmores, who were project managers for the Arthur Rank Hospice, and are onboard in the same role for St Catherine’s.

He said: “Together, we have developed a proven track record in successfully delivering these important community facilities which are helping local people have the end of life care they deserve.”

Louise Knights, Architect at LSI Architects commented: “Our previous new build hospice projects have given us a deep understanding of the needs of patients, families and staff. St Catherine’s Hospice has been designed to provide all of the space and equipment necessary, but to be a non-clinical, welcoming place.”

As well as offering therapeutic treatments and social activities via a patient social hub, the new hospice will allow St Catherine’s to expand its expert community services, so more families can have support in the comfort of their own home. Overall, an additional 250 people will receive care as outpatients and 110 extra patients will be cared for on the hospice wards each year.