New Hospice build takes ‘the next step’

March 5, 2019 by Joanna

A new hospice for Southend, which will eventually be caring for thousands of local people, is taking ‘the next step’ as vital infrastructure begins to be constructed on site.

Having now erected the two-storey steel frame structure for the building, last week, the construction team started installing the five-tonne stairwell sections into the new Fair Havens Hospice in Priory Crescent, Prittlewell.

The new Fair Havens which is being built by Barnes Construction is expected to be completed in February 2020. It’s been a hive of activity since work began in October 2018, with 20-35 construction crew members on site at any one time, together with in excess of £1 million worth of plant and equipment including the crane which is lifting the stairwell into place.

Steven Rouse, Senior Site Manager for Barnes Construction said “The build is going really well, and we are on track with the programme. After the completion of the stairwell in the community and admin area, the next scheduled activity is roof timber preparation works for the In-Patient Unit. Then, the installation of the external walls for this part of the building will start week commencing 11^th March.

“This is a really exciting time for us on site because the plans we’ve been working from are starting to become a reality and we can start to really visualise what the building is going to look like. We are planning on painting in the room-boundaries so that when we show the build to the charity, their volunteers and supporters they can really visualise what it is going to look like.”

Sally Bridger, Community Fundraiser for new Fair Havens joined Steven and his team at the site to see how the build was progressing. She said, ““It is so exciting to see how much the build has progressed since the steel frame was put in – it really is starting to look like the hospice we’ve been hoping for and needing for so long. We currently have to turn away 11 patients every month because we do not have the beds or facilities to be able to support them and their families. Whereas the new Fair Havens will have 16 in-patient bedrooms, increased Day Hospice services and additional family support meaning we can care for twice as many patients and families from across Southend, Rochford and Castle Point.”

The charity, which includes Fair Havens Hospice for adults, Little Havens Hospice for children and The J’s Hospice for young adults, are just under £1million away from their £17.2million target to fund the new Fair Havens.

For more information on new Fair Havens visit fairhavensforlife.co.uk.