Major Milestone Achieved In Construction Of New Hospice - Barnes Construction

A major construction milestone has been reached in the expansion of ellenor Hospice at Gravesend, North Kent. Led by Barnes Construction, the project has now reached the pivotal topping out stage, signifying the completion of the highest point of the new Wellbeing Centre and marking a significant advancement in the development.

At the heart of this achievement is the traditional topping out ceremony symbolising the moment when the building becomes watertight. A key highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the hospice’s main funder, the Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust. Their generous donation of £2 million has played a pivotal role in advancing the construction of the Wellbeing Centre. The symbolic laying of the last roof tile marked the final drawdown of their generous contribution, emphasizing the importance of this moment.

Jacqueline Rae, Chief Executive of Colyer Fergusson, commented on the significance of their support:

“Colyer-Fergusson’s close relationship with ellenor hospice dates back several decades, both as funders and as friends. The Trust’s key aim is to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Kent and Medway, and what better way to do that than by supporting ellenor’s new Wellbeing Centre, which will help families and friends to be together, to have some normality through unimaginable times.”

The ceremony also served as an occasion to acknowledge the dedication of the workforce, unite everyone involved in the project, and celebrate the progress made.

Hospice staff and key supporters, along with representatives of the construction team and project partners, came together to celebrate the ‘topping out’ celebration.  Nicholas Fisher, Chairman of Trustees and Jacqueline Rae, Chief Executive from Colyer Ferguson, joined Mac Cheema, ellenor Chair of Trustees and Joint Managing Director of Barnes Construction, Mark Hart, on the roof of the new hospice building, to lay the last roof tile.

Mark Hart, Joint MD of Barnes Construction is pleased with the progress being made and explained,

“We are delighted to be marking this topping out milestone, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the team. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this significant achievement.”

A Milestone in Palliative Care

Michelle Kabia, CEO of ellenor said:

“This is a remarkable moment for ellenor and a testament to the unwavering support we have received from our community and partners. Over recent years, countless individuals and organizations have contributed to making the Wellbeing Centre a reality. The topping out ceremony will honour this collective effort, acknowledging the commitment of everyone involved in the project including Barnes Construction as well as celebrating the future of ellenor.

“The new Wellbeing Centre will enhance the services we provide, ensuring we continue to offer comprehensive care to those in need. Additionally, it will offer valuable educational resources for both our staff and the community. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a part in this journey, especially the Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust. This topping out ceremony is our way of saying thank you and celebrating the future of care at ellenor.”