Topping out takes place at Fair Havens Hospice - Barnes Construction

A major milestone has been reached in the building of a new hospice for Southend.

The last piece of the roof was fixed in place at the new Fair Havens Hospice in Prittlewell. The ‘Topping Out’ event was attended by staff and volunteers who, in spring 2020, will be caring for patients and working from this building.

The honour of fitting the final tile was given to one of the charity’s fundraisers, Lydia Plews. Her mum, Mary, was cared for by the existing hospice in Chalkwell just before she died in July 2012, eventually inspiring Lydia to apply for a job raising money for the charity.

Lydia says, “It’s been a real privilege to be part of this Topping Out ceremony. We are nearly at the point of completion. I am so pleased to be part of this project and take great comfort in the fact that we’ll be able to care for twice as many families, just like mine.”

The building was designed by LSI Architects and thanks to increased Day Hospice and Wellbeing support, the finished hospice will be able to care for twice as many patients as it currently can.

Mark Hart, Joint Managing Director at Barnes Construction said, “As the focus shifts to the interior, the project has reached its busiest stage with over 70 people covering a range of trades from electricians and plasterers, to carpenters and glaziers, now on site at the same time; all working together so the hospice can start caring for patients in spring 2020.”

The project has cost £17.2 million and there is just £350,000 left to raise. The charity has launched its ‘Power of a Pound’ campaign – if everyone in Southend, Castle Point and Rochford could donate a pound each, this target would be met.

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